Organized crime is perhaps the most fascinating phenomenon of our time. From Al Capone, who boldly claimed his bootlegging activities were a public service, to the flamboyant Teflon Don, the criminals of the underworld have garnered headlines and captured our imagination with their violent and extravagant lifestyles.

Arthur Martin provides a gripping introduction to the history of the mob, from the early vendettas of the 19th century in southern Italy to the mass killings a century later across New York, Chicago and other American cities. Featuring shocking photographs of these gang members, Mafia Wars offers shocking insight into the role of the mob explores whether recent high-profile hits are a mark of the Mafia''s re-emergence as a violent force in the 21st century.

For anyone who wants to know the truth about organized crime and understand the violent forces that have shaped it over the last century, this book is an indispensable guide.