This is exactly what it purports to be - a history covering the Mafia from its origins in 19th Century Sicily to the present day.

Interesting for the way in which it explodes much of the Mafia myth - the Mafia are not an old Sicilian organisation, but emerged in the shadow of modern capitalism and its attendant citrus orchards in the late 19th century.

Ever since it has oscillated between higher and lower profile existence, and greater or lesser subversion of state power. Its most explicit challenge to the state came in the 1990s, and it was a challenge that almost broke it, and was in part a consequence of the huge amounts of drug money that poured into and through the organisation in the 1970s and 1980s, disrupting its traditional structure.

Now once again quiescent, on the political scene, the author suggests it is actually recuperating through the low profile protection rackets and intimidation which it had traditionally relied on.

Although it touches on the US, this is a book about the Italian Mafia, and a compelling story as well as a history. ( )

Worthy. Too worthy. I bought it hoping it would be a kind of true life Godfather and, while it was, it took itself too seriously. It became dry and lifeless after a promising start, becoming lost in the early history of the Mafia which, unless you're a total afficienado, is neither here nor there. We want action! And here it was lacking. ( )