Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano's Story of Life in the Mafia

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This is a good book not only telling the story of Sammy the Bull Gravano, but it also goes into detail of the different ways the mafia made money. I found that fascinating. Going into detail what points meant (a vig), different schemes like trunking and what he called lumping in the construction business. Or how they would rob drug dealers $200,000 and pay tipsters off $10,000 send some money up the ladder and pocket the rest. Or stories of shylocking and how made members would borrow money at 1-1.5 points then turn around and lend at 2-3 points. I found those details very facinating. It was also interesting to hear stories of the inner structure of the mob and how the hierarchy worked.This is definitely a a good read if you like the history of the mob. It may bother you if you think that this book is glorifying criminal activity. Objectively speaking I am ok with it because it is the story of Americana history told from first hand point of view that we would never have access to. Its an very interesting read.

Excellent book about Sammy and the NY mafia.

Good condition book

Very interesting account of life in the Mafia of the 70's and 80's. Peter Maas has done the seemingly impossible and pieced together all the information gathered over years and years of investigation, wire-taps, testimonials, statements etc etc and carved out a timeline showing Gravano's evolution into, and then out of, the Mafia. Maas' writing style is easy to follow as he relates chronologically a fascinating story about a world that resides only in the shadows. The main voice in the book is that of Sammy Gravano who, by force of character alone, rose to the dizzy heights of John Gotti's underboss. The title Underboss seems to mean that Sammy gets to do everything concerned with running a multi-million dollar operation and Gotti gets to reap all the rewards.If anything the reader might get lost in all the names banded about in the book along with the ever switching allegiences. Nevertheless, it's a fascinating story that will hold your interest.

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I found this to be highly engaging and a great complement to a lot of other mob books. It is very focused, and gives many vivid descriptions of the sort of activities a typical wiseguy would spend his life on.Having read a number of books of the various characters that have gone to make up the history of organized crime , this was surprisingly fresh and informative.Peter Maas has a very accomplished way of switching from general narrative to the very personalized language used by Sammy Gravano, through which you can almost hear him speak.A most enjoyable read at the very top of its genre.If, however, you are a Proust fan, however, I would strongly suggest you look elsewhere.

Brilliant account of the rise and fall of Sammy "Bull" Gravano. Almost had it in the bag, and if you read Leonetti's account of the links to the Philly mob in his book "Mafia Prince" he comments on a few meetings with Gravano (not mentioned in this book) where Sammy tells him his biggest mistake he made was not whacking Gotti so Frank DeCicci could become Boss of the Gambino's.

So good i read it twice

Exellent new bookVery pleased with it

Stunning book. Best "mafia" book I've read to date and I'm 14 or 15 deep. Sammy tells it as it is. Quality entertainment.