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andrew_russell's review
2.0
There have been a dearth of really good reads on my 'read' shelf this month. Unfortunately, while this one has its good points, they are outnumbered by the bad. What stands it in good stead is the fact that it serves as the only historical book of which I am aware which details nineteenth and early twentieth century gang culture in New York. It has a cast of interesting characters, from Gallus Mags, Dandy Johnny Dolan, Butcher Bill Poole and Hellcat Maggie, together with the characteristics by which they earned their reputations as fearsome criminals.
What lets it down so badly is the ragtag manner in which these characters are presented. There is also no clear chronology in the layout of the book. Both these factors make it hard going at times. Also, I got the impression fairly early on that the author gave greater credence to hearsay regarding characters and events than he did factual evidence, reducing the historical value of the book.
This is worth reading for the sake of gaining a broad picture of New York gang culture during the time period concerned; but only if there isn't the potential for a more enjoyable read on your bookshelves.
What lets it down so badly is the ragtag manner in which these characters are presented. There is also no clear chronology in the layout of the book. Both these factors make it hard going at times. Also, I got the impression fairly early on that the author gave greater credence to hearsay regarding characters and events than he did factual evidence, reducing the historical value of the book.
This is worth reading for the sake of gaining a broad picture of New York gang culture during the time period concerned; but only if there isn't the potential for a more enjoyable read on your bookshelves.
krikketgirl's review
3.0
When I first saw the cover of this book, I thought it would be talking about the organized crime of the 1920s and 1930s--I was astonished to be reading about gangs from as far back as the 1820s. Originally written in 1928, the book is written in a mishmash of retelling of legend, "shocker" paragraphs about gang brutality, and limited commentary about the administrative corruption and poverty that allowed and encouraged the growth of gangs.
I learned a few things from this book: for example, I had no idea that life in the city was as brutal as it is portrayed, at the time it was portrayed. That said, the book is not overly-scholarly in its approach. Because Asbury is not clear on when he is retelling stories and legends and when he is reporting verifiable facts, the reader is left wondering which pieces are actually true and which are hyperbole.
Also troubling is Asbury's ambivalent attitude towards the gangs and their activities: he vacillates between writing as though he were disgusted by them, tolerant of them, or even a little bit in awe of them. He reports on their "wickedness", but then refers to main players as "heroes".
Overall, this might be a starting point for understanding the atmosphere that gave a foothold to the Mafia and will underscore one's understanding of history for this period, but should only be a starting point.
I learned a few things from this book: for example, I had no idea that life in the city was as brutal as it is portrayed, at the time it was portrayed. That said, the book is not overly-scholarly in its approach. Because Asbury is not clear on when he is retelling stories and legends and when he is reporting verifiable facts, the reader is left wondering which pieces are actually true and which are hyperbole.
Also troubling is Asbury's ambivalent attitude towards the gangs and their activities: he vacillates between writing as though he were disgusted by them, tolerant of them, or even a little bit in awe of them. He reports on their "wickedness", but then refers to main players as "heroes".
Overall, this might be a starting point for understanding the atmosphere that gave a foothold to the Mafia and will underscore one's understanding of history for this period, but should only be a starting point.
cdcsmith's review
3.0
The things I disliked about this book are the same reasons I liked it. Published in 1928, the "history" was still new and it is hard not to notice that. The terms used, the general language, dates it and at times makes it harder to follow at times. However, it also makes it seem alive and fresh in a way I don't think many people can do looking back say 80+ years.
I learned an awful lot from this book though, and for that alone, it gets a good review. Glad I read it and I think anyone interested in that persiod in history, or in the history if the city, would appreciate it.
I learned an awful lot from this book though, and for that alone, it gets a good review. Glad I read it and I think anyone interested in that persiod in history, or in the history if the city, would appreciate it.
pjdoolittle's review
2.0
Disappointing. I was hoping for a solid historical background of the social and economic conditions leading to the formation and development of early New York crime, but this was, instead, just a loose collection of the better known characters and unreferenced accounts of their exploits. The book included only very brief and overly dramatic accounts of the abject poverty the early New York poor endured.
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