The Gangs of New York: Informal History of the Underworld

by Herbert Asbury

"The Gangs of New An Informal History of the Underworld" by Herbert Asbury is a detailed account of the violent, criminal world that thrived in New York City during the 19th century. The book delves into the lives of notorious gangs, including the Bowery Boys and the Dead Rabbits, as well as the gritty streets, corrupt politicians, and the social dynamics that allowed these groups to flourish. Asbury's narrative captures the rough, often brutal atmosphere of a city in the midst of rapid industrialization and immigrant influx. The book provides a vivid, historical portrayal of a forgotten underworld that shaped the city's development.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 5, 2025

About the author

Herbert Asbury (September 1, 1889 – February 24, 1963) was an American journalist and writer best known for his books detailing crime during the 19th and early-20th centuries, such as Gem of the Prairie: An Informal History of the Chicago Underworld, The Barbary Coast: An Informal History of the San Francisco Underworld and The Gangs of New York.

Reviews

[Jason Tillery · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was good but there are a lot of typos within the text.