Exploring the World of the Mafia: A Reader’s Guide to Expert Non-Fiction

Interest in the Mafia, or the Cosa Nostra, as it is known in Italian, has been enduring and widespread. This organized crime syndicate has fascinated the public, from its portrayal in popular media to the extensive non-fiction literature it has inspired. If you're looking to delve deeper into the world of the Mafia, here is a curated list of some of the finest books that offer insight into the lives, activities, and histories of these secretive and influential organizations.

Five Families: The Rise of the New York Mafia

For a detailed and well-researched account, Five Families: The Rise of the New York Mafia by Selwyn Raab is an excellent choice. Raab, a renowned journalist and author, delves deep into the histories and internal dynamics of the Gambino, Genovese, Colombo, Lucchene, and Shea families, providing insight into their rise to power in the postwar era.

Mobster: The Rise of a Mafia Supremo and His Gang by John Gotti

Mobster by Robert Schoenberg and the pair of biographies by John Cummings and Ernest Volkman on John Gotti are perfect for readers interested in the personal rise and fall of a high-profile mob boss. These works offer a gripping look into the mind and deeds of one of the most notorious figures in Mafia history.

The Valachi Papers

For a more immersive and firsthand account, consider reading the The Valachi Papers. This classic text, written by Joe Valachi, one of the first Italian-American gangland informants to publicly testify against his former comrades, provides a shocking insider’s account of the Mafia. Though fictional, Mario Puzo's The Godfather is a must-read, capturing the essence of Mafia families and their brutal ways. Another excellent choice among fiction is Jay Robert Nash's Bloodletters and Badmen, which chronicles the lives of infamous gangsters.

The Godfather and GoodFellas

For a look at the cinematic portrayal of the Mafia, you should also check out Mario Puzo's literary masterpiece, The Godfather. Although it is a work of fiction, it has greatly shaped our perception of Mafia culture. The 1990 film adaptation GoodFellas, based on the non-fiction book by Nicholas Pileggi, is a raw and realistic portrayal of life in the Mafia and stands as one of the definitive works on this subject.

Real Stories and Gatekeepers of Secrets

For a more grounded and real story, you might want to pick up Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi. This book forms the basis of the film GoodFellas, offering a gripping account of the life of an underboss in the Lucchese crime family. Other recommended reads include The Chicago Outfit by Gus Russo, which provides an in-depth look at one of the most notorious crime organizations in Chicago, and Underboss, detailing the life of Joseph B. Pistone (Donnie Brasco), an FBI agent who infiltrated the New York Mafia and gained unprecedented access to their inner workings.

Keywords: Mafia, Non-Fiction Books, Organized Crime