Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel: The Gangster Who Built Neon Dreams in the Desert Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel looked like a Hollywood leading man who had wandered into the underworld by accident. He…
Abner “Longie” Zwillman: The Phantom Boss of New Jersey Abner “Longie” Zwillman did not fit the Hollywood image of a gangster. He was not loud like Al Capone. Not theatrical…
Albert Anastasia: The Lord High Executioner of Murder Incorporated Albert Anastasia terrified other gangsters. That alone says something. The Mafia during the mid-twentieth century was filled with violent men—killers, extortionists,…
John Gotti: The Dapper Don Who Brought the Mafia Into the SpotlightJohn Gotti did not hide from attention.He chased it.While older Mafia bosses operated quietly through back rooms, social clubs,…
Abe Reles: The Canary Who Could Sing — and Fell Out a WindowAbe Reles knew where the bodies were buried.Not metaphorically.Literally.He helped put many of them there.During the blood-soaked rise…
Carlos Marcello: The Swamp King of New Orleans Carlos Marcello rarely looked impressed. Not by politicians. Not by federal agents. Not by reporters asking dangerous questions. He sat heavily behind…
Carmine Galante: The Cigar, the Heroin Empire, and the Blood-Soaked Throne Carmine Galante looked like trouble even standing still. The heavy-lidded eyes. The permanent cigar hanging from his mouth. The…
Frank Costello: The Diplomat of the American Mafia There were gangsters who ruled with fear. Others ruled with chaos, bloodshed, and loud reputations built on public violence. Frank Costello ruled…
Harry "Pittsburgh Phil" Strauss: The Smiling Psychopath of Murder, Inc. Harry Strauss killed people the way other men changed cigarettes. Casually. Without visible emotion. And often without reason anyone sane could understand. Among the…
"Crazy" Joey Gallo: The Wild Prophet of Brooklyn Joey Gallo never behaved like a traditional gangster. That made him fascinating. It also made him dangerous. While older Mafia bosses operated…
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