NCJ Number
17811
Date Published
1975
Length
410 pages
Annotation
DESCRIBES THE EVOLUTION OF THE MAFIA, THE FIGHT AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME, AND PRESENTS AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONTEMPORARY MAFIA.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR DESCRIBES HOW A PECULIAR BLEND OF HIDDEN MOTIVES AND SENSATIONAL REPORTING CREATED PUBLIC FASCINATION WITH THE IDEA OF A SECRET SOCIETY. IT IS DETERMINED HOW MUCH OF THE MAFIA'S IMAGE CAME ABOUT THROUGH REAL EVENTS, HOW MUCH THROUGH THE MEDIA, AND HOW MUCH THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF AMBITIOUS GOVERNMENTAL HORROR -MONGERS. THIS FULL STORY OF THE MAFIA MYSTIQUE DETAILS THE IMPORTATION OF THE MAFIA TO AMERICA, THE BIRTH OF THE GANGSTER HERO, KEFAUVER'S SINISTER DISCOVERY, THE APALACHIN CONCLAVE, THE CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE, AND THE CONTEMPORARY MAFIA, WITH AN INTERESTING INSIGHT INTO THE MAFIA'S OWN CONCERN ABOUT ITS IMAGE. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES HIS WORK WITH A DISCUSSION OF THE MAFIA'S CURRENT THREAT TO SOCIETY. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT)