The Mafia began in Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean. It grew to become a major political force in Italy, and soon its tentacles penetrated life in the United States. Through drugs, it spread its influence across Britain, Canada, and Australia. And through the gangster movies of Hollywood, it n...

The Mafia began in Sicily, an island in the Mediterranean. It grew to become a major political force in Italy, and soon its tentacles penetrated life in the United States. Through drugs, it spread its influence across Britain, Canada, and Australia. And through the gangster movies of Hollywood, it now permeates popular culture. The Mafia is full of blood-chilling characters, from Al Capone, who ran Chicago during Prohibition, and hitmen Louis Lepke and Alberto Anastasia who founded Murder Inc, to Totò 'boss of bosses' Riina, John 'the Teflon don' Gotti, and Bernardo 'The Tractor' Provenzano, who hid out under cover for 43 years... They were extraordinary men who lived through extraordinary times. The Mafia tells the story of their lives, their families, their codes, their crimes, including their cold-blooded murders. It's a long and engaging tale, drenched in blood and scored with betrayal. Filled with photographs, illustrations, and special features, this book provides an essential starting point to understanding the world of organised crime.