Softcover. Based on the television series. The result of 3yrs research all over America by one of the UK's leading investigative reporters, this book examines the history and 'present-day'(at the time of publication) power of organised crime. Martin met 100s of people with first-hand knowledge of the Mafia. He interviewed some of the most powerful bosses of the families of La Cosa Nostra and many leading criminals who have turned informer and testified in court against their mob masters. He talked to men who have killed for the Mafia, run crooked businesses, skimmed from Las Vegas casinos, defrauded labour unions and corrupted politicians. He met eye-witnesses to the most important events in the history of organised crime such as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre and the trial of Lucky Luciano. He interviewed top law-enforcers who knew and prosecuted the most notorious mobsters of the previous 50yrs. As a historian Martin looks at organised crime as a continuing feature of American life, flourishing long before the Mafia crossed the Atlantic. Illus., Bibliog., Notes and Index. 365pp. soft cover. Includes loosely inserted small newspaper cutting relating to the book's publication. From the library of Paul Daniel, ex-editor of the 'Ripperologist' magazine (December 1996 No. 8 - February 2000 No. 27) with his name/date rubber stamp inside back cover plus a random insc. to bep in green felt-tip pen. Browned pp., showing general shelf wear to covers. Nr. Vg.