Discover books similar to "Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life"

Robert Lacey

Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life

"Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life" by Robert Lacey is a comprehensive biography of the notorious gangster and organized crime figure, Meyer Lansky. The book delves into the life of Lansky, who was born into a poor Jewish family in Russia and immigrated to the United States as a child. Lacey paints a vivid picture of Lansky's rise to power as a key player in the American Mafia, detailing his involvement in various criminal enterprises, including gambling, drug trafficking, and murder. One of the strengths of "Little Man" is Lacey's ability to humanize Lansky, showing him as a complex and often conflicted individual. While Lansky was undeniably ruthless in his pursuit of power and wealth, Lacey also reveals his softer side, such as his love for his family and his devotion to his wife. Lacey's research is thorough and meticulous, drawing on interviews with Lansky's associates, family members, and law enforcement officials, as well as extensive archival research. The result is a richly detailed and engaging narrative that sheds new light on Lansky's life and career. "Little Man" is also notable for its exploration of the larger social and historical context in which Lansky operated. Lacey examines the role of organized crime in American society, particularly during the Prohibition era, and the ways in which the Mafia was able to exploit gaps in the legal system to amass vast wealth and power. Overall, "Little Man: Meyer Lansky and the Gangster Life" is a fascinating and insightful look at one of the most notorious gangsters in American history. Lacey's skill as a storyteller and his meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime in the United States...