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The Big Bankroll: The Life And Times Of Arnold Rothstein
Arnold Rothstein (1882–1928) was described in the newspapers of the 1920s as "a sportsman," "a gambler," and "the man who fixed the 1919 World Series." But he was much more than that. A bootlegger and labor racketeer, he corrupted politicians, promoted crooked stock sales, and imported narcotics. And, perhaps most importantly, he transformed organized crime from a thuggish activity practiced by hoodlums into a big business, run like a corporation, with himself at the top. For twenty years, the name of Arnold Rothstein symbolized money—big-time money, gambling money, racket money, illegal money, millions upon millions of dollars. His share was ninety percent of any deal; he was never indicted for a single crime; he always won at cards and horses. And, despite his involvement in dozens of murders and hundreds of other crimes, his luck never ran out. At least not until 1928, the year in which he was fatally shot. The perpetrators—and Rothstein's millions—were never found. The Big Bankroll is the definitive biography of the man known simply as Mr. Big. In it, Leo Katcher reveals not only sordid details of the life of America's most powerful gambler, but illuminates the whole era in which crime became king.
369 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 15, 2015
Like many, I was thrilled with so very much of HBO’s BOARDWALK EMPIRE series. Sure, the problem took some creative liberties in the detailing of specific events, but it often did that when trying to concoct a more cohesive narrative for the audience’s interest. To be fair, there were so many colorful characters of those bygone days, and I imagine it may’ve been difficult in the writers’ room figuring out which major figure was going to get the lion’s share of available screen time; but – before it ended – I suspect many were thrilled with that rare opportunity of re-examining history via some modest fictional contrivances.
One of the most interesting portrayals I thought EMPIRE did was that of Arnold Rothstein, played in the series by Michael Stuhlbarg. As a long-time fan of most things involving Prohibition, I was thrilled to finally see ‘the Big Bankroll’ as he was known brought to life; so much of Roaring Twenties crime dramas have put the focus on Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, but those of us familiar with the subject matter known that there were many equally captivating individuals. Finally, some light was shed on Arnold, and this encouraged me to finally pick up THE BIG BANKROLL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN.
Written by Leo Katcher, BANKROLL isn’t anything necessarily fresh or new. In fact, the book was first published in 1958, putting it thirty years after Rothstein himself was cut down in the prime of his life (physically, but perhaps not so much fiscally). Katcher opens with a marvelous framing device – he essentially puts the reader in-the-moment of Rothstein’s ‘assassination’ – and then segues back in time (as it were) to deliver the more biographical highlights of the man’s life. By doing so, the writer underscores that things certainly won’t end well for the mob’s chief financier, and he credits his audience with being able to now follow on the journey through the life that was.
Once establishing the particulars of Rothstein’s family life – that being his family’s strict adherence to Jewish faith – Katcher then masterly spools through so many events which portray just how far from those humble, structured beginnings Arnold travels. It doesn’t take long for the young man’s interests in amassing a particular fortune sets those cerebral wheels in motion, forcing Rothstein to constantly up-the-ante on his expectations. Did this psychological tendency turn him into one of the Roaring Twenties’ most prolific gamblers? I didn’t feel Katcher ever concluded that definitely, though it’s clear how one might reach that conclusion. As for Arnold? He kept pursuing what he thought was what life had intended for him, and he rarely if ever took his eyes off that prize, even though it may’ve clouded his reasoning to a degree in the last few years of his life.
It’s a terrific read, due in large part to Katcher’s almost journalistic insistence on defining everything. In order to do so, the writer had to use many pages to explore tangentially some of the other people as well as the mechanics of early 20th century gambling and pool halls. As a consequence, there are several long passages within BANKROLL that feels as if it’s part of someone else’s biography; Katcher tried very hard to always put context into Rothstein’s life, even when doing so meant a healthy sidetrack expanding on key players in the man’s burgeoning regime. Also, Katcher used an awful lot of ink explaining ‘bucket houses,’ so much so that I found some of it mildly – well – boring. A helpful edit probably would’ve turned in a thinner manuscript, but when the devil resides in details and you’re talking about the devil I can understand one writer’s insistence on keeping it whole.
Still, there are parts of Rothstein’s legacy that remain lost to history. We know that the mob rifled through all of the man’s paperwork upon his demise, and we’ll never know with any certainty what was taken away and sheltered from inquiring eyes. I think it’s safe to conclude that we’ll never understand just how large the Big Bankroll’s own empire may’ve stretched. But if you’re looking for an excellent summation of events and you’re willing to sift through some of the fine points then you’re in for as compelling a portrait of one of gangdom’s most interesting geniuses.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THE BIG BANKROLL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN benefits from being originally written much closer to the days wherein ‘the Big Bankroll’ himself did business on the streets of old New York (Katcher’s book was published three decades after Rothstein’s death in 1928), allowing the author an opportunity to interview surviving gangsters and (ahem) businessmen who knew him well. Still, I thought the piece dragged a bit in the middle wherein the author dedicates a fair amount of space to the minutiae of operating some of the Roaring Twenties most prolific scams. It comes back to life in the end, drawing to a close the portrait of gangland’s original super-intellect.
One of the most interesting portrayals I thought EMPIRE did was that of Arnold Rothstein, played in the series by Michael Stuhlbarg. As a long-time fan of most things involving Prohibition, I was thrilled to finally see ‘the Big Bankroll’ as he was known brought to life; so much of Roaring Twenties crime dramas have put the focus on Al ‘Scarface’ Capone, but those of us familiar with the subject matter known that there were many equally captivating individuals. Finally, some light was shed on Arnold, and this encouraged me to finally pick up THE BIG BANKROLL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN.
Written by Leo Katcher, BANKROLL isn’t anything necessarily fresh or new. In fact, the book was first published in 1958, putting it thirty years after Rothstein himself was cut down in the prime of his life (physically, but perhaps not so much fiscally). Katcher opens with a marvelous framing device – he essentially puts the reader in-the-moment of Rothstein’s ‘assassination’ – and then segues back in time (as it were) to deliver the more biographical highlights of the man’s life. By doing so, the writer underscores that things certainly won’t end well for the mob’s chief financier, and he credits his audience with being able to now follow on the journey through the life that was.
Once establishing the particulars of Rothstein’s family life – that being his family’s strict adherence to Jewish faith – Katcher then masterly spools through so many events which portray just how far from those humble, structured beginnings Arnold travels. It doesn’t take long for the young man’s interests in amassing a particular fortune sets those cerebral wheels in motion, forcing Rothstein to constantly up-the-ante on his expectations. Did this psychological tendency turn him into one of the Roaring Twenties’ most prolific gamblers? I didn’t feel Katcher ever concluded that definitely, though it’s clear how one might reach that conclusion. As for Arnold? He kept pursuing what he thought was what life had intended for him, and he rarely if ever took his eyes off that prize, even though it may’ve clouded his reasoning to a degree in the last few years of his life.
It’s a terrific read, due in large part to Katcher’s almost journalistic insistence on defining everything. In order to do so, the writer had to use many pages to explore tangentially some of the other people as well as the mechanics of early 20th century gambling and pool halls. As a consequence, there are several long passages within BANKROLL that feels as if it’s part of someone else’s biography; Katcher tried very hard to always put context into Rothstein’s life, even when doing so meant a healthy sidetrack expanding on key players in the man’s burgeoning regime. Also, Katcher used an awful lot of ink explaining ‘bucket houses,’ so much so that I found some of it mildly – well – boring. A helpful edit probably would’ve turned in a thinner manuscript, but when the devil resides in details and you’re talking about the devil I can understand one writer’s insistence on keeping it whole.
Still, there are parts of Rothstein’s legacy that remain lost to history. We know that the mob rifled through all of the man’s paperwork upon his demise, and we’ll never know with any certainty what was taken away and sheltered from inquiring eyes. I think it’s safe to conclude that we’ll never understand just how large the Big Bankroll’s own empire may’ve stretched. But if you’re looking for an excellent summation of events and you’re willing to sift through some of the fine points then you’re in for as compelling a portrait of one of gangdom’s most interesting geniuses.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. THE BIG BANKROLL: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ARNOLD ROTHSTEIN benefits from being originally written much closer to the days wherein ‘the Big Bankroll’ himself did business on the streets of old New York (Katcher’s book was published three decades after Rothstein’s death in 1928), allowing the author an opportunity to interview surviving gangsters and (ahem) businessmen who knew him well. Still, I thought the piece dragged a bit in the middle wherein the author dedicates a fair amount of space to the minutiae of operating some of the Roaring Twenties most prolific scams. It comes back to life in the end, drawing to a close the portrait of gangland’s original super-intellect.
May 4, 2016
This reprint of Katcher's biography of Arnold Rothstein does a great job of creating a book out of not very much. And that is because his subject was not a flashy, gun-toting, cinematic mobster - Rothstein was the archetypal shadowy money-man, always in the background, always ready with a loan, always ready to have people owe him. He didn't fix the 1919 World Series, but he certainly profited from it. He wasn't a violent man, but had no qualms about the use of violence when he wanted to collect. Gambling, vice, narcotics - nothing was off-limits as long as there was a cut for Arnold to cream off. Shot and killed in 1928, Rothstein does not get the credit/blame he deserves for putting the organisation into Organised Crime.
November 15, 2016
Needed to find a biography for the Read Harder Challenge and this one appealed off the back of watching Boardwalk Empire.
AR was one of the more elusive characters who always appeared to be in the background (but controlling everything) - and this book provides great context as to why this was.
I really enjoyed the read and understanding the background to the times and the extent of AR's influence - and his drive for a "bigger bankroll". For him, size mattered!
It is a long read, I suspect as a result of the level of research completed by the author, and certain sections do feel repetitive, but overall I was a fan of the book. Provided a comprehensive insight into the man who controlled the $$$$.
AR was one of the more elusive characters who always appeared to be in the background (but controlling everything) - and this book provides great context as to why this was.
I really enjoyed the read and understanding the background to the times and the extent of AR's influence - and his drive for a "bigger bankroll". For him, size mattered!
It is a long read, I suspect as a result of the level of research completed by the author, and certain sections do feel repetitive, but overall I was a fan of the book. Provided a comprehensive insight into the man who controlled the $$$$.
November 7, 2023
I've heard about Arnold Rothstein, AKA "The Brain, The Big Bankroll" etc, being the man who fixed the 1919 World Series countless times. I knew there was some debate regarding how many of the White Sox players were really in on it, but Rothstein fixing the series never appeared to be debated. According to this author Rothstein's involvement isn't really as cut and dry as I previously thought. While Rothstein definitely appears to have known the fix was in and benefited from it financially, he doesn't appear to have been the mastermind behind the scandal.
Anyway, Rothstein was involved in a lot more than the 1919 World Series fix. Before the first world war gangsters operated as errand boys for politicians in the U.S. Rothstein was the man who changed this. As banker to the underworld, he helped bring discipline and order, and made them financially independent. Eventually the gangsters would actually gain dominance over the politicians.
Anyway, Rothstein was involved in a lot more than the 1919 World Series fix. Before the first world war gangsters operated as errand boys for politicians in the U.S. Rothstein was the man who changed this. As banker to the underworld, he helped bring discipline and order, and made them financially independent. Eventually the gangsters would actually gain dominance over the politicians.
April 11, 2025
I liked this book because Number 1, being a newspaper man, I simply like the way Leo Katcher writes. Number 2, it is hard to find any in depth information on Arnold Rothstein other than a sketchy figure in other people's biographies or, as a character portrayed on the drama Boardwalk Empire.
Books published more recently, have been written by authors with no real connection to the man or the times in which he lived. However, in this case, the author actually lived during the same period as Rothstein, wrote for the New York Post in the 30s and interviewed some of the cast of characters such as Lucky Luciano and Rothstein's wife. In that regard, Leo Katcher is able to give an insider's take on the man and the time in which he lived. Something which the author knows a thing or two about.
The book is well researched and took the author 10 years to compile. I thought it was well written and I walked away feeling like I knew a little more about Rothstein than I knew before.
Books published more recently, have been written by authors with no real connection to the man or the times in which he lived. However, in this case, the author actually lived during the same period as Rothstein, wrote for the New York Post in the 30s and interviewed some of the cast of characters such as Lucky Luciano and Rothstein's wife. In that regard, Leo Katcher is able to give an insider's take on the man and the time in which he lived. Something which the author knows a thing or two about.
The book is well researched and took the author 10 years to compile. I thought it was well written and I walked away feeling like I knew a little more about Rothstein than I knew before.
May 16, 2019
Nice Read Very informative
A well written and researched look at the origins of oraganized
crime in the US.
A must read for anyone interested in the man behind so many
of th famous gangsters as they moved from prohibition largess
to a syndicated arrangement that endures to his day.
A well written and researched look at the origins of oraganized
crime in the US.
A must read for anyone interested in the man behind so many
of th famous gangsters as they moved from prohibition largess
to a syndicated arrangement that endures to his day.
October 21, 2017
I hope this fair
I really wanted to finish this book. I kept trying and I could only get to 46%. I never seen so many geographical and spelling errors. Normally you will get a few but these were so numerous and distracting that it just wasn't worth the effort.
I really wanted to finish this book. I kept trying and I could only get to 46%. I never seen so many geographical and spelling errors. Normally you will get a few but these were so numerous and distracting that it just wasn't worth the effort.
April 6, 2018
Good story but should have been proofread better.
January 27, 2019
Not easy to read because of the level of detail. But interesting. And apparently a true story.
February 26, 2020
Wonderful
Arnold Rothstein was the first Godfather before Lucky Luciano. He started as a gambler who needed a big bank roll. He started the basis for the Syndicate...
Arnold Rothstein was the first Godfather before Lucky Luciano. He started as a gambler who needed a big bank roll. He started the basis for the Syndicate...
December 7, 2009
I learned that I really want to go bet on horses. And that I'll probably lose.
You want to pick up this book because it tells how a young Jewish boy forsook his home and Orthodox family in order to become a small-time gambler, and through his business smarts and tight connections with Charlie Murphy and Tammany Hall, he was able to turn pennies into millions. And he supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series.
You want to pick up this book because it tells how a young Jewish boy forsook his home and Orthodox family in order to become a small-time gambler, and through his business smarts and tight connections with Charlie Murphy and Tammany Hall, he was able to turn pennies into millions. And he supposedly fixed the 1919 World Series.
July 31, 2010
This is the one to read if you want some info on AR. Nick Tosches poopoos it in his King of the Jews , but I poopoo King of the Jews. It had very little of AR in it. AR was a legend in NYC organized crime and many think it was his influence that gave Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano, et al the impetus to really organize the NYC racketeering scene. Fascinating book.
May 31, 2014
Arnold Rothstein is a fascinating character from a fascinating era.
This book tells you a lot about how the underworld worked in those days but not so much about Rothstein himself. The man remains a mystery, not much is known about him.
A well written read that does not really satisfy your curiosity about "The Brain" but tells you a lot about the world he controlled.
This book tells you a lot about how the underworld worked in those days but not so much about Rothstein himself. The man remains a mystery, not much is known about him.
A well written read that does not really satisfy your curiosity about "The Brain" but tells you a lot about the world he controlled.
March 13, 2017
Straightforward biography of Rothstein. The major media doesn't discuss him.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews