The crime confederation

the long version

"Ralph Salerno, described by the New York Times as the man who "knows more about the Mafia than any person who is not a member of it," here puts together a very comprehensive portrait of "America's most successful industry." He amplifies and interprets much that came out in The Valachi Papers but also gives a very clear picture of the evolution of The Syndicate, why it is successful to the tune of $40,000,000,000 a year (a conservative estimate) and why the most powerful government in the world is incapable of protecting informers barring exile or a concentration camp existence. There is a lot of detailed information--recruiting methods, power tactics, means of corruption (work from the top down) and some sad projections for the future--Crime will pay better than ever. He discusses some possibilities of counter-attack; the rise of other ethnic groups and their influence; the gains of international crime confederations and the attitude of the American public--which should be disabused, hopefully, through an exposure like this. It's a thinking taxpayer's book."--Kirkus