The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses

by RJ Roger, Joost Elffers

From Cosa Nostra expert RJ Roger and publishing genius Joost Elffers comes a riveting history of the Mafia in America, the undeniable sweep and power of the Five Families, and their Machiavellian strategies—all condensed into an electrifying guidebook for understanding and harnessing the Mafia’s philosophy of successfully rising within any hierarchy (legally, of course).

A captivating history of the Mafia in America as well as an illuminating breakdown of the formidably effective—indeed ruthless—success strategies of the infamous Five Families that ruled, for anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to be a boss.

The 36 Rules of the Bosses is the fascinating culmination of author RJ Roger's extensive research into the Italian-American Cosa Nostra. Analyzing more than 100 years of underworld history, Roger has distilled the behavior of the bosses of the five New York Mafia families—the most powerful in the United States—into 36 rules. Unwritten until codified in The Don, these rules were the foundation of the bosses’ success for over a century.

Created in collaboration with Joost Elffers, the producer behind Robert Greene’s international bestseller The 48 Laws of Power, Roger’s The 36 Rules of the Bosses details the history of the American Mafia. More important, it elucidates the strategies by which the bosses of the Five Families achieved and held power.

Many of these leaders were devotees of Niccolò Machiavelli's treatise The Prince, a manual for would-be rulers written in 1513 and still read today by power brokers of many kinds around the world. Understanding the influence of this book on the most successful Mafia bosses, and also applying his expertise in contemporary business practices and his deep knowledge of America’s underworld, Roger has identified 36 rules common to them all. In The Don, he explains these rules in ways that will be useful to any reader hoping to gain power, whether personally, politically, or in business.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

Published November 26, 2024

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses is the fascinating culmination of RJ Roger’s extensive research into the Italian-American Cosa Nostra. Analyzing more than 100 years of underworld history, Roger distills the behavior of the bosses of New York’s Five Families into 36 rules that formed the foundation of their enduring success.

This engaging book examines the ranks within the Cosa Nostra, highlighting the roles, respect, and challenges inherent in this lifestyle. It provides a captivating overview of the organizational structure and the strategic brilliance behind the system’s longevity. Jim Frangione’s narration adds depth and gravitas, making the audiobook a compelling listen.

Whether you’re fascinated by the history of the Mafia or looking to glean lessons on power dynamics, this book is a worthwhile read.

Thank you to NetGalley, RJ Roger, and RB Media for the opportunity to listen to and review this book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this listen very much. Very informative and interesting kept my attention the whole time. I found out alot of things I didn't know before and enjoyed the change of pace

[Greg Salazar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent mafia book, short read

[Kate See · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I also really wanted more stories from the mafia, of which this ok provides very few. It was primarily about the different roles within a mafia family, the duties and rules for those roles, and how one moves between those roles. Overall, very informative, just not super true crime as I was hoping for.

[Marcia Honeycutt Roseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Don is a quick historical account of the Cosa Nostra and the stages of becoming the boss. From the lowly thug to the top of the food chain, RJ Roger provides accounts from members of the Five Families while incorporating well known pop culture aspects such as television and movies based on the families.

Once making it to boss level (the Don), one must then follow the rules. In closing, Roger provides the reader with all the rules along with a how to and why to follow. I guarantee you will learn at least three rules that you didn’t know existed. You, as the reader, will also be shocked to find just how morbid some of the rules can be. While television and books highly romanticize the notion of the mafia and being the boss, this read skims the surface of just how morbid and dangerous the life can be.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the Audio ARC!

This book was a little weird, if I'm honest. The historical sections were super interesting and informative, but the other bits felt like Neil Strauss's 'The Game', but for wannabe mobsters instead of wannabe players. Still, a quick read, and pretty interesting overall.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[edwardrosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I couldn't put it down. Many of the rules can
be applied in real life. The research and history was interesting.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

RJ Roger’s The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses is a fascinating exploration of the strategies and philosophies that have defined the leadership of the most powerful Mafia families in America. Narrated by the talented Jim Frangione, this audiobook offers an engaging and insightful look into the world of organized crime and the lessons it holds for leadership and power dynamics.

This book distills over a century of Mafia history into 36 rules that encapsulate the behaviors and strategies of the bosses of the Five Families. Roger’s extensive research into the Italian-American Cosa Nostra reveals how these leaders navigated the treacherous waters of power, loyalty, and survival.

Jim Frangione’s narration is a standout feature of this audiobook. His deep, authoritative voice lends gravitas to the material, making the listener feel as though they are receiving wisdom from a seasoned insider. Frangione’s clear and engaging delivery ensures that the complex historical and strategic concepts are easily understood and appreciated.

Roger’s writing is informative and captivating. He skillfully blends historical analysis with practical advice, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The use of real-life examples and anecdotes from Mafia history brings the rules to life, illustrating their effectiveness and relevance.

The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses explores themes of power, loyalty, and strategic thinking. It delves into the psychological and social dynamics that underpin successful leadership in high-stakes environments.

The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses is a compelling and thought-provoking audiobook that offers valuable insights into the nature of power and leadership. RJ Roger’s meticulous research and engaging writing, combined with Jim Frangione’s excellent narration, make this a must-listen for anyone interested in history, strategy, or leadership. The book’s unique perspective on the Mafia’s enduring influence provides a fresh and enlightening take on the principles of effective leadership.

[Hunter Satterfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting first half as it covers the history of the American Mafia (“Cosa Nostra”) and the Five Families that have ruled since the beginning.

The middle section is also good as it covers a very high level summary of Gotti.

The second half is not great. It’s disjointed and not well written.

Overall a quick read for those interested in the mafia. Read the first half (only) and skip the rest.

[Nadia Meriouli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

It was okay, I feel like you could learn a bit. I also just felt like it was more of a how to then anything else. Which I don’t want to join the mafia so it was a bit of a waste of time for me.