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A review by andrew_russell
The Gangs of New York by Herbert Asbury
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.