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Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords
A suspenseful memoir from the real life American gangster, Frank Lucas
In his own words, Frank Lucas recounts his life as the former heroin dealer and organized crime boss who ran Harlem during the late 1960s and early 1970s. From being taken under the wing of old time gangster Bumpy Johnson, through one of the most successful drug smuggling operations, to being sentenced to seventy years in prison, Original Gangster is a chilling look at the rise and fall of a modern legacy.
Frank Lucas realized that in order to gain the kind of success he craved he would have to break the monopoly that the Italian mafia held in New York. So Frank cut out middlemen and began smuggling heroin into the United States directly from his source in the Golden Triangle by using coffins. Making a million dollars per day selling "Blue Magic"--what was known as the purest heroin on the street--Frank Lucas became one of the most powerful crime lords of his time, while rubbing shoulders with the elite in entertainment, politics, and crime. After his arrest, Federal Judge Sterling Johnson, the special narcotics prosecutor in New York at the time of Lucas' crimes, called Lucas and his operation "one of the most outrageous international dope-smuggling gangs ever, an innovator who got his own connections outside the U.S. and then sold the narcotics himself in the street."
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his powerful memoir reveals what really happened to the man whose career was dramatized in the 2007 feature film American Gangster, exposing a startling look at the world of organized crime.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 13, 2014
If you’re a fan of “Breaking Bad” and its mythical Blue Sky meth, you might want to pull up a chair and dive into the story of real life drug lord Frank Lucas and his legendary Blue Magic heroin. It’s all within the pages of “Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America’s Most Notorious Drug Lords” ($6.00) by Lucas himself, and Aliya S. King. The basis of the 2007 movie “American Gangster,” Lucas’ memoirs start in 1936 with his childhood in North Carolina, where he witnessed his own cousin being murdered by the Ku Klux Klan. A young, 6-year-old Lucas then started stealing food for his family, after which he graduated to assault and robbery. At age 14, in 1944, Lucas moved to Harlem, where he eventually became the ruthless protege of Bumpy Johnson, the gangster who ran numbers.
When Bumpy died in 1968, Lucas started his massive drug empire, which brilliantly managed to skirt the middle man and go around the Italian mafia that controlled New York. Lucas achieved this by setting up his own contact in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle and smuggling highly pure-grade heroin— nicknamed Blue Magic—into the United States by using coffins. His Blue Magic made him a million dollars a day, making Lucas not only one of the most powerful crime lords of his era, but also helping him reach rockstar status with the elite in entertainment, politics and crime, until he was finally caught in 1975. Good reading? You betcha.
When Bumpy died in 1968, Lucas started his massive drug empire, which brilliantly managed to skirt the middle man and go around the Italian mafia that controlled New York. Lucas achieved this by setting up his own contact in Southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle and smuggling highly pure-grade heroin— nicknamed Blue Magic—into the United States by using coffins. His Blue Magic made him a million dollars a day, making Lucas not only one of the most powerful crime lords of his era, but also helping him reach rockstar status with the elite in entertainment, politics and crime, until he was finally caught in 1975. Good reading? You betcha.
March 9, 2014
Despite all the terrible things he did in his life, you have to appreciate how he had the determination to achieve anything based on where he came from.
February 1, 2014
I found this book entertaining, and educational. (About some history of drug crime in NYC, 1970s) Also listened to it on audiobook, I believe it's read by the author. The voice really adds to the character of the story, which I appreciated. I think it was a good read
August 12, 2014
Eye Opener & Brilliant! Powerful Book!
July 19, 2024
A good read but a wasted life
February 6, 2023
Gangsters Original Habitat In New York City
Typically I don't like to read books. I'm more into podcasts and shows. But for English class I had to choose a memoir novel for this project. While looking for a book I came across this amazing book “Original Gangster”by Frank Lucas. This book caught my attention because I like to watch and hear stories about retired gangsters and crime and this book is really good at showing that about this man's life. Original Gangster The Real Life Story of One of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords" is a biography written by Aliya S. King and Frank Lucas that offers an in-depth look into the life of the notorious drug lord from Harlem, New York. This book provides a unique perspective on the world of organized crime and the rise of one of the biggest drug lords in America.
Frank Lucas was born into poverty in North Carolina and later moved to New York City where he became involved in the drug trade. Despite the challenges he faced, Lucas quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful drug lords in the city. He was known for his innovative methods, including importing pure heroin directly from the source in Southeast Asia and using military planes to transport it to the United States. From being taken under the wing of old time gangster Bumpy Johnson, through one of the most successful drug smuggling operations, to being sentenced to seventy years in prison, Original Gangster is a chilling to look at the rise and fall of a modern legacy.
The book details Lucas' rise to power and the tactics he used to maintain his dominance in the drug trade. He was known for his ruthless business practices, which often involved violence and intimidation. However, Lucas was also known for his charitable contributions to the community and his strict code of honor, which earned him the respect of many in Harlem. Frank Lucas realized that in order to gain the kind of success he craved he would have to break the monopoly that the Italian mafia held in New York. So Frank cut out middlemen and began smuggling heroin into the United States directly from his source in the Golden Triangle by using coffins. Making a million dollars per day selling "Blue Magic "what was known as the purest heroin on the street, Frank Lucas became one of the most powerful crime lords of his time, while rubbing shoulders with the elite in entertainment, politics, and crime. After his arrest, Federal Judge Sterling Johnson, the special narcotics prosecutor in New York at the time of Lucas' crimes, called Lucas and his operation "one of the most outrageous international dope-smuggling gangs ever, an innovator who got his own connections outside the U.S. and then sold the narcotics himself in the street."
Despite his success, Lucas' reign came to an end when he was arrested and later cooperated with the authorities to bring down other members of the drug trade. The book provides insight into the reasons behind his cooperation and the impact it had on the drug trade in America.
Overall, "Original Gangster" provides a fascinating look into the life of one of America's most notorious drug lords and the world of organized crime. The book offers a unique perspective on the motivations and tactics used by those involved in the drug trade and the impact it had on communities and individuals. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in America and the personal journeys of those who rose to power in the drug trade.
Typically I don't like to read books. I'm more into podcasts and shows. But for English class I had to choose a memoir novel for this project. While looking for a book I came across this amazing book “Original Gangster”by Frank Lucas. This book caught my attention because I like to watch and hear stories about retired gangsters and crime and this book is really good at showing that about this man's life. Original Gangster The Real Life Story of One of America's Most Notorious Drug Lords" is a biography written by Aliya S. King and Frank Lucas that offers an in-depth look into the life of the notorious drug lord from Harlem, New York. This book provides a unique perspective on the world of organized crime and the rise of one of the biggest drug lords in America.
Frank Lucas was born into poverty in North Carolina and later moved to New York City where he became involved in the drug trade. Despite the challenges he faced, Lucas quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most powerful drug lords in the city. He was known for his innovative methods, including importing pure heroin directly from the source in Southeast Asia and using military planes to transport it to the United States. From being taken under the wing of old time gangster Bumpy Johnson, through one of the most successful drug smuggling operations, to being sentenced to seventy years in prison, Original Gangster is a chilling to look at the rise and fall of a modern legacy.
The book details Lucas' rise to power and the tactics he used to maintain his dominance in the drug trade. He was known for his ruthless business practices, which often involved violence and intimidation. However, Lucas was also known for his charitable contributions to the community and his strict code of honor, which earned him the respect of many in Harlem. Frank Lucas realized that in order to gain the kind of success he craved he would have to break the monopoly that the Italian mafia held in New York. So Frank cut out middlemen and began smuggling heroin into the United States directly from his source in the Golden Triangle by using coffins. Making a million dollars per day selling "Blue Magic "what was known as the purest heroin on the street, Frank Lucas became one of the most powerful crime lords of his time, while rubbing shoulders with the elite in entertainment, politics, and crime. After his arrest, Federal Judge Sterling Johnson, the special narcotics prosecutor in New York at the time of Lucas' crimes, called Lucas and his operation "one of the most outrageous international dope-smuggling gangs ever, an innovator who got his own connections outside the U.S. and then sold the narcotics himself in the street."
Despite his success, Lucas' reign came to an end when he was arrested and later cooperated with the authorities to bring down other members of the drug trade. The book provides insight into the reasons behind his cooperation and the impact it had on the drug trade in America.
Overall, "Original Gangster" provides a fascinating look into the life of one of America's most notorious drug lords and the world of organized crime. The book offers a unique perspective on the motivations and tactics used by those involved in the drug trade and the impact it had on communities and individuals. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in America and the personal journeys of those who rose to power in the drug trade.
December 10, 2021
From a lonely, ragged crook to a big-time boss, Frank Lucas - with the assistance of one Aliya S. King - recounts his adventurous life in the true crime novel Original Gangster: The Real Life Story of One of America’s Most Notorious Drug Lords. Published by St. Martin’s Press, Original Gangster is an exposé of Frank Lucas’ entire life experience, from a traumatized South Carolina kid to Harlem’s high-roller. Complete with a backstory that is both tragic and inspirational, Lucas manages to escape the worst situation possible and eventually earn a name for himself in Harlem, New York. While there were many notable individuals in his life, Lucas believes the most significant change to his lifestyle came at the mere presence of crime boss Bumpy Johnson; a man who took Frank under his wing in the seemingly most profitable illegal dealings, Johnson imposed his stoic yet stern demeanor on to Lucas and eventually transformed the young thief into a formidable gangster. Though Frank Lucas may not be the most integral or morally justified person in the world - not only cheating on his pregnant wife but murdering numerous individuals - his determined mentality, tragic upbringing, and thoughtful narration create the most interesting and charming protagonist for a life story. While I have not finished reading the novel, I most certainly intend to; this roller-coaster of an existence would interest anyone that enjoys adventure novels, crime tales, or those who relish debating over the morality of a questionable lifestyle. Some who begin Original Gangster with a kind heart and clean personality might just choose to follow in Lucas’ words: “never go with the status quo.”
January 14, 2023
First of all, nothing is a five star read to me anymore and I’m starting to wonder if it’s me.
But anyway, this was good. I don’t really like memoirs or auto/biographies. They’re kind of hit or miss for me. But this guy was living the life they imitate in hood fiction. I know there are things he didn’t mention, like I am pretty fucking sure he killed somebody or ordered somebody killed during his reign, besides the people in Vietnam who attacked and tried to rob him and his crew. There’s just no way he was running shit for so long without SOMEBODY having to be made an example of. I didn’t like how he aired out Bumpy Johnson’s business with those fire ants but kept mum about the shit he did. But to be fair, Frank was still alive and Bumpy had long since died. And there is no statute of limitations on murder. So I get it.
And we got something cleared up too. He didn’t snitch on anybody in the game. He snitched on dirty cops. And nobody should give a fuck about them.
But anyway, this was good. I don’t really like memoirs or auto/biographies. They’re kind of hit or miss for me. But this guy was living the life they imitate in hood fiction. I know there are things he didn’t mention, like I am pretty fucking sure he killed somebody or ordered somebody killed during his reign, besides the people in Vietnam who attacked and tried to rob him and his crew. There’s just no way he was running shit for so long without SOMEBODY having to be made an example of. I didn’t like how he aired out Bumpy Johnson’s business with those fire ants but kept mum about the shit he did. But to be fair, Frank was still alive and Bumpy had long since died. And there is no statute of limitations on murder. So I get it.
And we got something cleared up too. He didn’t snitch on anybody in the game. He snitched on dirty cops. And nobody should give a fuck about them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2021
So a couple of lawyers try to pass as the Attorney General, intent on scamming Lucas out of a million dollars [during his second, 1984, Texas prison sentence]; But fail early on into their hoax when Lucas '...outsmarted 'em again!'
Regardless of plausibility, (i.e. absolutely no proxy that might affirm Lucas' specs], this report is so uneventful one wonders if Lucas is only offering-up later-career scraps, since he has no intention on discussing exactly how he got out of that first, Federal, prison bit
Frank Lucas has a lot of anecdotally-fables like this, that animate his persona but make his 2007 feature narrative American Gangster look like a Ken Burns's PBS documentary series
Regardless of plausibility, (i.e. absolutely no proxy that might affirm Lucas' specs], this report is so uneventful one wonders if Lucas is only offering-up later-career scraps, since he has no intention on discussing exactly how he got out of that first, Federal, prison bit
Frank Lucas has a lot of anecdotally-fables like this, that animate his persona but make his 2007 feature narrative American Gangster look like a Ken Burns's PBS documentary series
December 15, 2020
Original Gangster was entertaining to read and made a great movie but is pretty dark when you consider it's non fiction. Frank Lucas writes of his life as a drug supplier with no sense of remorse. Aside from a paragraph at the end of the book where he notes he ruined a lot of peoples lives, I did not get the impression he feels bad at all for what he has done but is actually pretty proud of it. If it's not clear from his speaking the fact that he repeatedly went back to supplying drugs after encounters with the law should be proof. An epidemic of drug use was a fair trade to Frank Lucas for millions of dollars and a private jet. This book has no redeeming values and I probably wouldn't reccomend it.
August 7, 2025
Surprised to have enjoyed this as much as I did. I knew the subject matter world interest me and I knew Lucas himself would also be interesting but I haven't come across many who have managed to actually write a well written and engaging book, this very much is that and more.
It's a super fast read, something I could read in one afternoon or evening if I wasn't doing anything else. I actually wish it would have been twice as long. This man, regardless of what all he did in his life, was incredibly intelligent and super incredibly disciplined. I guess you'd have to be to accomplish the things he accomplished in his lifetime.
It's a super fast read, something I could read in one afternoon or evening if I wasn't doing anything else. I actually wish it would have been twice as long. This man, regardless of what all he did in his life, was incredibly intelligent and super incredibly disciplined. I guess you'd have to be to accomplish the things he accomplished in his lifetime.
October 28, 2020
The money is shocking, the lifestyle a crescendo, and the real life characters are legendary in Frank Lucas’ memoir; however before it all there was “abject poverty”. The racist violence, driving a boy from the south to New York where untold hundreds of millions were to be made from heroin, is some of the most horrific violence I have read. At the end of his life the movie American Gangster solidified his name, but as Frank Lucas sees it, the story of his life is one that should inspire a better way of life in another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
I’ve heard about Frank Lucas from my dad. He told me how the one night he decided to show off was the beginning of his downfall. So I wanted to know more about him and got his book. The first 3 pages literally made me want to cry when I learned what happens to his cousin. I knew that people of color were killed for stupid s**t, but reading it in this book just made it more sad and infuriating. This book was really easy to read and I enjoyed every second of it. I just didn’t like how Frank was such a man whore, but you know do you. No disrespect to Mr. Frank Lucas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2023
Couldn’t put this one down!! I read over half of it the first night I cracked it. Frank Lucas has one of the most intriguing and attention grabbing stories I have ever heard. I’m a crime fanatic, I love any good crime story (fiction or non-fiction) but this one stood apart. I sometimes found it hard to remember which character was who from the use of so many aliases to protect the identities of those involved, but it didn’t take away from the undeniably incredible story that is Frank Lucas’ life.
July 18, 2024
When the movie “based on this book” came out in 2007 I thought the movie was a mess. I thought that without knowing the story. Holy smokes, that movie is horrendous factoring in this book and basic research.
This book, sort of like the movie being told from Lucas’ perspective continues the trend of softening evil people. Otherwise this is an easy, intriguing story about an influential figure in history.
This book, sort of like the movie being told from Lucas’ perspective continues the trend of softening evil people. Otherwise this is an easy, intriguing story about an influential figure in history.
September 28, 2024
I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK! Frank Lucas may have done a lot of illegal things but it is refreshing to “feel” his integrity, his honesty. We all have things that we are not proud of in our past. We all have made bad decisions. History makes us who we are and our childhood shapes our adulthood - for better or worse - it does. Whether it’s poverty, racism , wealth, or stardom - our beginnings shape our endings. Kudos Frank Lucas for making it to the end.
May 3, 2018
Usually the books give more detail than the actual movie and although this was a good read - listen, I didn’t get any extra information in the book. I am left with a few questions about Billie Mays, tried googling her and can’t find nothing, even Wiki for Willie Mays doesn’t even mention her. Then the wife of bumpy Johnson says this book is a lie. I don’t know if it is but I did enjoy it.
November 30, 2023
This book was amazing! It was a story about greed regret and redemption! This book is a 10/10 for me and the movie “American Gagster” is just as good with the big man himself Denzel Washington! Great book club book for anyone who is looking for their next read and has some great discussions with it. Can’t recommend it enough.
August 8, 2017
On par with Mike Tysons autobiography. 10/10. Fantastic book.
Some pictures or even a photo of Frank at the end would have made it even better.
Highly recommend this book. Really enjoyed it
Some pictures or even a photo of Frank at the end would have made it even better.
Highly recommend this book. Really enjoyed it
November 30, 2020
Incredible look at the drug trade and deeper macroeconomics of the black market, but it has to be said, his supposed contrition at the end rings extremely hollow. And his total disregard for his multiple children strikes me as almost worse than any drug offenses he committed.
January 2, 2021
Though I'm not a fan of the man I found this to be a really good telling of his life. He did have a story to tell. This tells it well. I even felt for his plight, for the briefest of instants, when officers stole his drug money.
June 6, 2023
I was interested in this based on seeing American Gangster. I was hoping for more about the actual business of the drug business Frank Lucas had built and a bit less about his many romances. It is a quick read and enjoyable, but it did leave me wanting a bit more detail.
December 29, 2024
Really surprised to see how well this book was rated after reading it. Lucas seems like a completely unreliable narrator/bullshit artist. He makes himself out to be amazing at everything despite being a despicable human being. I felt dirty reading his version of the “truth”. Waste of time.
October 22, 2025
first off, i really liked frank lucas and how he described his life and choices
very grey character
but still lovable?
i mean, he got dealt a shit hand and somehow he fought for his dreams and succeeded at it
yes, he went to jail like a lot but what a story
i hope he died in peace
very grey character
but still lovable?
i mean, he got dealt a shit hand and somehow he fought for his dreams and succeeded at it
yes, he went to jail like a lot but what a story
i hope he died in peace
October 8, 2017
Outstanding book and couldn’t put it down!
A few differences compared to the movie but equally as interesting & entertaining.
A few differences compared to the movie but equally as interesting & entertaining.
December 11, 2017
Excellent
More in depth story and a lot different than the movie. Very entertaining read. Recommend to anyone hooked the movie, you will like this better.
More in depth story and a lot different than the movie. Very entertaining read. Recommend to anyone hooked the movie, you will like this better.
March 15, 2019
The book gives you all the flavours of the narcotics hitting the streets and America. The timeline and struggle of intruding the barriers of security across the nation.
May 8, 2019
The movie is good .but the book is so much better. frank Lucas is vary Interesting intriguing a no holds board Very awesome book.
September 18, 2019
It didn’t give much info on others who may have been in the game, but it was an easy read!
October 21, 2019
Pretty damn epic. Not saying what he did was right or wrong but I enjoyed this over the movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews