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Al Capone’s Beer Wars: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition
£15.20
Although much has been written about Al Capone, there has not been–until now–a complete history of organized crime in Chicago during Prohibition. This exhaustively researched book covers the entire period from 1920 to 1933. Author John J. Binder, a recognized authority on the history of organized crime in Chicago, discusses all the important bootlegging gangs in the city and the suburbs and also examines the other major rackets, such as prostitution, gambling, labor and business racketeering, and narcotics. A major focus is how the Capone gang — one of twelve major bootlegging mobs in Chicago at the start of Prohibition–gained a virtual monopoly over organized crime in northern Illinois and beyond. Binder also describes the fight by federal and local authorities, as well as citizens’ groups, against organized crime. In the process, he refutes numerous myths and misconceptions related to the Capone gang, other criminal groups, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and gangland killings. What emerges is a big picture of how Chicago’s underworld evolved during this period. This broad perspective goes well beyond Capone and specific acts of violence and brings to light what was happening elsewhere in Chicagoland and after Capone went to jail. Based on 25 years of research and using many previously unexplored sources, this fascinating account of a bloody and colorful era in Chicago history will become the definitive work on the subject.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Illustrated edition (6 Jun. 2017), Prometheus |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 17858 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 416 pages |
| Page numbers source ISBN | 1633888320 |
by Telman
Very detailed research and accompanying maps of Chicago which mean nothing to a British reader.
If you want to know which gangster controlled which quarter of Chicago, or who did what to who you will get it from this book. More a source of information than a fluid narrative.
by Jerry K
Mr. Binder tells the tale of crime and killing in Chicago during the lead up to then through the Prohibition years, roughly 1919-1933. Al Capone is a well known actor in the story, thus Mr. Binder’s book title. Mr. Binder assembles the facts about crime and killing from Police, Committee, and newspaper accounts then provides his analysis.
Who was it that said “There are lies, damned lies, and statistics!”? Mr. Binder evaluates specific aspects of the killings and establishes that long-held beliefs about the number, methods, reasons, etc for them aren’t necessarily correct.
It’s an interesting story with voluminous references including a huge website focusing on Al Capone. If you have an interest in the Prohibition days and gangland slayings, I recommend this book. I lived in the area as a youth and appreciate being able to gain a better understanding of the legend and lore surrounding Al Capone. Satisfactory!
by Philip Gilbert
To be very honest, this gets very boring in-places. Sometimes, the most readable non-fiction books work because they are written in a more way more akin to fiction, the ways the characters are described and the story told. For example, Antony Beevor, he tackles heavyweight subjects in a way that is most readable.
by Keith
I am enjoying reading this piece of American history. John J. Binder knows his stuff.
Lots of illustrations, which is great to help follow the story of the rise of organised crime. Also facts and figures of the costs and profits being made.
I am aware of the period, which sees the move of the population from land to the cities and the boom for industry (e.g. Henry Ford, Bethlehem Steel, etc) and crime was not behind the curve.
by John Romero
Excellent information.