We get a lot of requests asking for recommendations as to the best single Mafia book to purchase usually about the New York Mafia. When it comes to books about the Mafia opinions can vary greatly and everyone seems to have their own personal favorites as there are so many options available esp when it comes to the NY Mafia.
Many enthusiasts end up with vast libraries of mob books covering many aspects of Cosa Nostra from the past to the present, but not everyone has the resources to amass such a collection. Narrowing it down to a single book is difficult and we understand that no matter which recommendation we make there will be other options who many feel are just as substantial and fitting. That being said, we feel that one of the better overall books on the New York Mafia to date is Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires
The book Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires by Selwyn Raab covers many aspects of New York Mafia history right up to some of the more modern day stuff. It gets into the origins of the Mafia and how the mob took over New York and how the powerful organized crime empire began to lose its powerful grip in the 1980’s and 90’s. It contains various interviews with Mafia members, law enforcement officials, mob informants, and other providing an inside look into the inner workings of the mob.
The mob book has been called “the gold standard” of nonfiction organized crime writing and gives an outstanding look into the history or the Mafia in New York. Sure many can come up with various other options which can be compared to this book as great reads, but all things considered, for the enthusiasts looking to make a single purchase and get a lot of bang for their buck this is a great choice. The Five Families book can be purchased for a great price and in many formats on Amazon.
