Detroit's Infamous Purple Gang

Images of America: Michigan

by Paul R. Kavieff, H. G. Manos (Introduction)

Detroit's Infamous Purple Gang is a photographic history of one of the most notorious organized crime groups of the 20th century. The photographs chronologically follow the evolution of the Purples from their days as a juvenile street gang through their rise to power and eventual self-destruction. Using rare police department mug shots and group photographs, the book transports readers through the dark side of Prohibition-era Detroit history. Detroit had a gold rush atmosphere and a thriving black market during the 1920s that attracted gangsters and unsavory characters from all over the country.

Genres: True Crime, History, Nonfiction, Crime

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2008

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a visual revord and historical overview. It doesn't cut deep into history, culture, or circumstances, because that's not what the book is about. Taken for what it is, I enjoyed it quite a lot. Those looking for a deeper reckoning should look elsewhere.

[Walt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little more than a picture book, it has some excellent pictures of the Detroit underworld

[Scott DeVogelaere · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the information was interesting to someone who only had a passing reference to the Purple Gang growing up, this book is poorly organized and is nothing but a laundry list of mugshots and names involved in the gang. One can easily find a variety of other images online that could have been used to paint a better picture. Additionally, the author misses an opportunity to educate readers about the context and subject more. Much of the information has to be pieced together by captions that often repeat themselves and only occasionally have new information.

[j cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice background on the Purple Gang and it's origins

Wondered who these guy were and why were they famous.
not sure if I got that question answered but still appreciated
the insight into a classic organized crime organization with
its own youth development program as well ass a junior navy.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not much detail, writing is dull.

Not much detail, writing is dull. I would highly recommend the book "Off Color" by Waugh, instead, for this subject.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read about an interesting era, the photos really help.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more context and stories. It was more pictures than stories throughout.

[Elexndra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does not mention Gus Nichols......

[Polski Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

[selen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Give me context ! And not just mugshots. Fewer instances of noting how attractive the mob wives are would also be cool

[John Jeffire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE Detroit history, and this era is one of my favorites. This book is basically a picture history of one of the most brutal gangs in the history of this country, and it is utterly fascinating. I loved looking at wanted circulars for characters like "Gorilla" Davis, and learned this psychopath was only 5'2" and weighed at most 140 pounds but was one of the most feared men in Detroit. My one criticism is that I wanted to read more along with viewing the pictures. But if you love gangster lore and Motor City history, you've got to pick up a copy.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent photographic history of Detroit's Purple Gang, a notorious organized crime ring that ran strong during prohibition and later ran labor unions. I wish there was more of a written historical account, but the multitude of photographs kept me locked in.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

would of liked a bit more substance, but a great piece for us loyal detroiters.

[Suzanne Culkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting local history.