Cosa Nostra

COSA NOSTRA is the compelling story of the Sicilian mafia, the world s most famous, most secretive and most misunderstood criminal fraternity.

The mafia has been given many names since it was founded one hundred and forty years ago: the Sect, the Brotherhood, the Honoured Society, and now Cosa Nostra. Yet as times have changed, the mafia s subtle and bloody methods have remained the same. Now, for the first time, COSA NOSTRA reconstructs the complete history of the Sicilian mafia from its origins to the present day, from the lemon groves and sulphur mines of Sicily, to the streets of Manhattan.

COSA NOSTRA is a definitive history, rich in atmosphere, and with the narrative pace of the best detective fiction, and has been updated to make it the most vital contemporary account of the mafia ever published.

The mob genre has finally grown up.

“Well-written...his findings are supported by careful research and copious documentation. Racy...contains some powerful stories, scenes and surprises.”

I couldn't put it down. His archival sleuthing is yoked to his powerful, often coruscating storytelling to create a chilling account of the mafia's sinister, horrific reality. - John Guy, The Sunday Times

Riveting - Sunday Telegraph

A readable, highly informative, admirably systematic account of how the Mafia attained its hold. - Times Literary Supplement

Highly readable...compelling. The narrative is entertaining and, at times, as chilling as the darkest crime fiction. At its best, it combines compelling horror with clear, rational analysis of the moral and political failings, which, even today, give the mafia a seat at many top tables in Italian society. - Glasgow Herald

Lucid...grimly readable. - Daily Telegraph

The first truly definitive English-language study of this myth-laden subject, and it is a pleasure to read...his book is notable for shrewd judgements couched in language that is vibrantly memorable. His acquaintance with the island and his immersion in the wider modern Italian culture allows him to convey the noxious atmosphere of corruption with flair. - Sunday Times

Monumental and gripping - Andrew Marr, BBC Start the Week

Combines scholarship with a rip-roaring read - Sunday Herald

John Dickie is both an academic cultural historian and an advertising copywriter and researcher for some major international companies. He is Senior Lecturer in Italian at UCL and has written articles and books on many aspects of Italian history. In 2005 he was awarded the title Commendatore dell'Ordine della Stella di Solidarieta' Italiana.

COSA NOSTRA is the compelling story of the Sicilian mafia, the world s most famous, most secretive and most misunderstood criminal fraternity.The mafia has been given many names since it was founded one hundred and forty years ago: the Sect, the Brotherhood, the Honoured Society, and now Cosa Nostra. Yet as times have changed, the mafia s subtle and bloody methods have remained the same. Now, for the first time, COSA NOSTRA reconstructs the complete history of the Sicilian mafia from its origins to the present day, from the lemon groves and sulphur mines of Sicily, to the streets of Manhattan.COSA NOSTRA is a definitive history, rich in atmosphere, and with the narrative pace of the best detective fiction, and has been updated to make it the most vital contemporary account of the mafia ever published. The mob genre has finally grown up.

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