On the Take: From Petty Crooks to Presidents

by William J. Chambliss

" . . . this book makes a significant contribution to what we know about illicit enterprise and corruption." ―Social Forces

" . . . reads with the ease of an action-filled, best-selling novel . . . worthy and refreshing . . . " ―Journal of Criminal Justice

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Sociology

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

William Chamblis's "On The Take" is a well-written, well-researched scholarly analysis of systemic police corruption. Thinking this was just a local Seattle story, I read it because of my interest in Seattle's history of corruption, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Seattle Chambliss studied was very similar to many large metropolitan cities throughout the country, who had exactly the same problems for the same reasons. Chamblis authoratatively explains the seeds of corruption and how it all worked together, including naming places I later encountered as a young Vice cop in Seattle, a few years after the department did a major house cleaning. I was intrigued to see how all the pieces fit together, and Chambliss makes a very good argument on how illegal monies make their way all the way to the top office in the country. Even though this is written on the scholarly side, it can be enjoyed by the average reader.

[Chase Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Chambliss' work here is an unprecedented explication of organized crime, and a fascinating, vivid portrait of Seattle during the boom years in the 1960s. The Emerald City of the whizz-bang 1962 Worlds Fair becomes an LA Confidential-esque story of corruption, extortion, oppression, and violence. This story has largely been buried in the city annals, more's the pity. The text itself falls apart when it reaches into conjecture and the inter continental criminality, but it's still a must-read for anyone interested in Seattle history. Every time I walk by Vito's, I can't help but be reminded of this incredible, eye-opening ethnography of the bad old days in the Emerald City.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, very informative and well written story.