The Godfathers: Lives and Crimes of the Mafia Mobsters

by Roberto Olla

Much blood has been spilled by the Sicilian and American Mafias—and almost as much ink has been expended upon the details of their culture and crimes. Little has been revealed, however, about the brutal, elusive figures who masterminded the birth and growth of one of the most powerful organizations in the world. Enriched by carefully researched material, first-hand documents such as a 1931 interview with Al Capone, and previously unpublished photographs, this page-turning account of the mysterious lives and harrowing crimes of the Mafia dons takes us into the heart of the Cosa Nostra’s innermost circle. Subjects of exclusive interviews include Thomas V. Fuentes of FBI International Operations, Rudolph Giuliani on the fight against organized crime and his prosecution of white-collar criminals, former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik, and former New York governor and Italian-American advocate Mario Cuomo. Also included is a testimony from Tommaso Buscetta, the famous Sicilian mafioso informer who revealed all the secrets of Cosa Nostra.

288 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2006

Reviews

[Stefano Floccari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia agile, non necessariamente semplicistica, di oltre un secolo di criminalità organizzata. Dà un buon quadro d'insieme, tutto sommato.

[Walt · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I have some issues with his historical research, Olla bases much of his book on interviews with some big names in law enforcement in both Italy and the United States. Consequently, the book is a good read for the current status of Italian organized crime (1980-2000); but prior to 1980 the data is largely uncited and loosely discussed.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an ok read, seemed to focus more on the Sicilian side of things and didnt go too in-depth. Had a few minor inaccuracies that didnt affect the book per se, but would have expected better.
A good introductory read but Selwyn Raabs Mafia book is still the best in depth read

[Dennis Willingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brief fhistory of the Mafia told in short biographies of its leaders.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE READ YET SO FAR.... LOTS OF HISTORY OF MAFIA AND MOBSTERS.. GOOD READ FOR ANYBODY WHO LIKES MAFIA, MOBSTERS