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  • Five Families

  • The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires
  • Written by: Selwyn Raab
  • Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
  • Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (127 ratings)

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Five Families

Written by: Selwyn Raab
Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
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Publisher's Summary

Genovese, Gambino, Bonnano, Colombo, and Lucchese. For decades these Five Families ruled New York and built the American Mafia (or Cosa Nostra) into an underworld empire. Today, the Mafia is an endangered species, battered and beleaguered by aggressive investigators, incompetent leadership, betrayals, and generational changes that produced violent, unreliable leaders and recruits. A 20-year assault against the five families in particular blossomed into the most successful law enforcement campaign of the last century.

Selwyn Raab's Five Families is the vivid story of the rise and fall of New York's premier dons, from Lucky Luciano to Paul Castellano to John Gotti and more. The book also brings the listener right up to the possible resurgence of the Mafia as the FBI and local law enforcement agencies turn their attention to homeland security and away from organized crime.

©2005 Selwyn Raab (P)2015 Tantor
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What the critics say

"This masterpiece stands an excellent chance of becoming a bestseller with crossover appeal beyond devoted watchers of The Sopranos." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Five Families

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A Great Listen

This is hands down a must listen for people into looking at the history of the mob. Give it a listen. I can’t recommend it enough.

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Great book

Loved it, very informative. Easy reccomded to any organized crime fans. Very good narration and pace

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Very detailed and in depth

It’s a crazy amount of detailed information on all 5 families. Very well done & doesn’t portray the mafia in a romantic way like a lot of books. Just the facts but told from inside of each family & then like you are on the jury. Solid

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Wonderfully Researched and Written

An excellent book for those with interest in the history and potential resurgence of the Italian mafia.

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best book on the mafia!

It's easy to lose track on how bad those guys are when listening to a podcast or a YouTube video by Sammy the Bull Gravano or Michael Franzese. They're tugs and make victims among innocent people as well, contrary to what they try to make believe. This book offers a balance view on this world

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Excellent!

If you’re interested in the history of the Mob In America, this book is excellent. Well researched, interesting, and well narrated.

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Great info. Very detailed.

Wow. So much info. Really enjoyed it. All the classic stories and stuff you do know already plus so much more. 10/10.

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Great listen

I have always enjoyed Mafia lore. this book was great. The narrator did an excellent job of keeping my interest

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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing, eye-opening.

Such an informative, and educational book on the rise and fall of the mafia in New York.

Any interest in the mafia. You'll love this book.

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    5 out of 5 stars

The Mafia Bible

The most complete history of the Mafia available. This is a must if you want to know about the complete story of the American Mafia.

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