American Gangsters, Then and Now: An Encyclopedia

Class assignment

Crime writer Nate Hendley takes readers on a magical misery tour of crime and criminals in this 2010 ABC Clio book. Though pitched as a reference source, AMERICAN GANGSTERS, THEN AND NOW has a breezy, informative style that entertains as it educates. Hendley's book will be enjoyed by crime buffs and students doing reports alike.Arranged alphabetically, AMERICAN GANGSTERS, THEN AND NOW examines 40-odd gangsters, criminal organizations such as the Dead Rabbits, the Mafia, the Purple Gang, Crips & Bloods and Murder Inc., and related crime topics like the Drug Trade, the Numbers Racket, Prohibition, Jewish Gangsters, etc.The individuals included in this rogue's gallery are an eclectic bunch with "classic gangsters" such as Capone, Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Dion O'Bannion and 'Bugsy' Siegel profiled along with more modern bad guys like 'Sonny' Barger, John Gotti, Henry Hill and 'Tookie' Williams.Interstingly enough, Jesse James and Billy the Kid also made the cut. Silly me; I never attached the 'gangster' label to those two. Since Hendley defines a gangster as "someone who controls or participates in a criminal organization that uses violence and illicit means to amass money and power," serial killers, mass murderers, white collar criminals, violent cult leaders, etc. are excluded.Entries range from two pages to fifteen or more. Capone, for instance, gets a 17-page write-up. Almost all entries feature at least one photograph. A list of "Further Readings" is included should readers want to further explore that topic.All in all, AMERICAN GANGSTERS, NOW AND THEN is an enjoyable, informative summary of some infamous individuals and organizations that have plagued American society over the years. Recommended.