Al Capone: A Biography

Greenwood Biographies

by Luciano J. Iorizzo

For more than 70 years, Al Capone has been equated with wealth, violence, and corruption. As America's most infamous criminal, he has intrigued, attracted, and repulsed the general public with his legendary criminal deeds. This concise biography separates the myth from the man. Beginning with a historical look at corruption in American society--along with a clarification of the terms Black Hand, Mafia, and Organized Crime--Capone is presented in his own time and place. A timeline summarizes the events of his life and career. A thorough bibliography of print and electronic sources will assist students and general readers interested in further research, making it perfect for anyone interested in Capone's life, organized crime, the prohibition era, and the struggle of lower-class Americans to rise in society.



The son of poor Italian immigrants struggling for a better life in early 20th-century New York, Capone chose a life of crime as a means of advancing his place in the world. His success brought him fabulous wealth and fame. His criminal deeds made him many enemies among law enforcement officers, politicians, and fellow criminals. Yet ultimately, Capone's downfall was his own misdeeds. Following a lengthy prison term, he died at age 48 from complications of syphilis. In his short life, Capone had become America's most feared criminal, and after his death, his legend cast an even greater shadow.

Genres: Crime, Nonfiction, Biography

168 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Heather(Gibby) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was written very clinically , and lacked the wildness that Capone was famous for. Would be good material if you needed to write a report on Capone, but not that interesting of a read.

[Michaell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Al Capone was one of the greatest gang leader of its time, his life is reflected on things that happened to him as a kid. There was a lot of conflict going on while he was growing up, this book says a lot of information that has happened not just him but also his opponents. This book is meant for audience members of the age 15 through 19, this book contains a lot of violence and racial things. My reaction to this book is that a lot of things had to be done in order to survive in that time period, you need to risk a lot of things to be successful.

[Cosme Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and neat story line.

Doesn't go into too much detail but just covers the gist of hia life which was sufficient for my requirements

[Aasad7 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Al Capone is a well known mafia gangster. He has no fear for anyone who comes in his path, not even the police. He killed many and threatened many, but only went to the prison which was called Alcatraz because of unpaid taxes. Capone also got his nick name "Scarface from a gang fight with a razor in a bar.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have heard about Al Capone all my life but never really read anything about him. He came here to this country very poor but he decided it was easier to make money as a gangster and criminal. He was not afraid of anyone in life. He finally went to prison on tax evasion. I did not know he died at age 49. I think a lot of myths have flown around since his death.

[Ennui Giddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmm... looks like there's an omertá about reviewing this book. So I better fuggedaboutit.

[Stephanie Leiker]

Quick easy read. Got off track of Capone a few times but had to make many tie ins to other areas and people to get the big picture. Left me with wanting more information.