Cosa Nostra: An Illustrated History of the Mafia

You have to be Italian to appreciate this book

Not for the faint hearted..A+++Seller

Good information!

Originally published in Italy in 2010, Massimo Picozzi's COSA NOSTRA, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE MAFIA is a comprehensive, illustrated history of the Mafia from its beginnings in the 19th Century to the present day. Over 250 photographs, including many rarely-seen images, document the birth and initial development of this Sicilian criminal brotherhood, its migration across the Atlantic and its growth and evolution in America. Meticulously researched and wonderfully illustrated, Picozzi's book offers an often grim but accurate guide to Mafia history past and present. Picozzi follows Mafia development in Europe and America using alternating chapters. A short, two-page article summarizes the area covered followed by dozens of well-captioned photographs showing Mafioso, crime scenes, hits, etc. Familiar faces run through the book - Masseria, Torrio, Capone, Ness, Luciano, Dewey, Cohen, Costello, Kefauver, Gambino, Gotti, etc. - but, likewise, many Sicilian Mafioso unknown to Americans are depicted as well. However, COSA NOSTRA isn't just another pictorial rehash of Mafia hoods. Rather Picozzi emphasizes the heroic lawmen, judges, D.A.s, reporters and other individuals who fought the Mafia - in Sicily and in the States - and the horrors the Mafia has inflicted on both societies over the years. He makes short work of all that 'Men of Honor' bullcrap associated with the Mafia by depicting the tragic fates of some of the brave individuals who dared to stand up to the Mafia as well as innocent victims caught up in Mafia machinations. COSA NOSTRA sometimes makes for grim viewing, numerous bloody bodies at hit scenes being featured. Yet that's reality. For those with only a superficial knowledge of the Mafia, Picozzi's book will be an eye-opener and a tremendous source of information on the Mafia here and abroad. Picozzi's coverage of events in Sicily/Italy were especially interesting to me, most of my knowledge being limited to stateside activity. In any case, COSA NOSTRA presents an authoritative and graphic summary of the life and crimes of that most evil of 'brotherhoods' which will interest any crime buffs out there. Highly recommended.

This book will NOT give you details - but as as overview it is great, and you can follow up elsewhere. For example, the few pages on Salvatore Giuliano led me to find the 1962 film by Francesco Rosi. I would not have sat down to 250+ page book on the topic - but a photo essay? Great to follow the history in grand strokes & pique interest. Nicely done & recommended for the tourist like myself.

I should've paid more attention to the title because it's heavy on pictures but light on story.

Deals more with the roots and gangsters of the Sicilian Mafia.

“Good” was a Little too much of a description. . 4 Pages of the Book were almost thorned completely. Other were scratched. Over priced for the poor state of the book.

I have several books about Cosa Nostra and this one have the same top quality.Buy with confidence, you won’t be dissapointed.

Well put together. A journey from the very beginning. I recommend this book to mafia history fans.

This is an amazing book for anyone interested in the Mob. Highly recommended.

Perfect !