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Review
"First-rate, dramatic, and compelling."-"-New York Newsday"
"Fascinating."--"The Wall Street Journal"
"Some very bad boys."--"New York Magazine"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
"Fascinating."--"The Wall Street Journal"
"Some very bad boys."--"New York Magazine"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Book Description
First UK publication for this true crime classic about New York's notorious Irish mobsters.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Westies not only captures the life and violent times of the notorious West Side Crew but, the experience of the Irish American Community in its most turbulent period. Spanning from the '30's and 40's to the mid-eighties, a time of great change for the Irish in America, it deals with the intrigue, violence and betrayal that underpinned the rule of Jimmy Coonan, his dealings with the Gambinos and the resentment it caused within the Westies. Throughout this it, reflects the social changes that followed the gentrification of Hell's Kitchen and the decline of its original community. The violence of the gang is not down played and makes for harrowing yet compelling reading, the irrational and barbaric murders committed by the group still stand out in a city with a very violent criminal subculture. in fact the gang's reckless attitude toward murder made even the Mafia wary of them. Well written and painstakingly researched, the book is invaluable to any self respecting student of organised crime and throws a light onto a little known but important chapter in the history of New York's Criminal history.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Real life crime. By far the best genre of writing, and this book is by far the best of it's bunch. The author tells the story through the eyes of one man, and while you are never encouraged to feel symapthy you are asked to understand his choices. As barbaric as the acts of violence are, they somehow seem justified considering the world that is being delved into. The only criticism, and it's not a major one, is that it helps if you are well read on New York crime, not that it stops your enjoyment but it helps in understanding some of the bit part characters. However, what sets this book apart is the way it ties in the Italian and Irish organised crime syndicates, you can see why they worked together, with the Italian organisation and the Irish propensity, and love, for violence they were a devastating combination.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was familiar with The Westies, mainly through reading Mafia based books. This was the first book I found taking an in depth look into how The Westies operated. T.J English provides a good insight into the structure and mindset of this gang. You learn how they came together, how they operated and the chaos The Westies created. One negative I have though is, the author is very biased towards Mickey Featherstone. While Coonan and Cummiskey in particular, are described as sadistic thugs, Featherstone gets off relatively lightly. English seems to ignore the fact Featherstone was a cold blooded murderer, he instead protects him, blaming all his troubles on the Vietnam war and Coonan's manipulation of his loyalty. As featherstone turned informer and I'd imagine provided a lot of detail for the book, I think his crimes are overlooked. Make no mistake Mickey Featherstone was a cold blooded killer!! Overall I thought it was a good book, I really enjoyed it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Superb if somewhat frightening
I have had an interest with the Irish Mob for a fair while and this has got to be one of the most interesting accounts of it yet. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Mackey
Book for huband
Bought this for my husband, it arrived promptly and in good condition and he's pleased with it but still in the process of reading it o the jury is stilll out about the contents.
Published 3 months ago by Dawn
must read
Quite a chilling read.well documented althoug i think one of the characters is seen by the writer in a too sympathetic fasion.It is an easy read where the story keeps flowing
Published 6 months ago by david doyle
Grisly and harrowing tale of The Westies.
Fantastic book about The Westies that once ruled and terrorized the Hell's Kitchen part of Manhattan. Read more
Published 7 months ago by J. Pike
The Westies
T.J English writes a brilliant book here that is really been studied. The book is written in three different parts making it more easy to understand. Read more
Published 7 months ago by craig
5 STARS..........
I have read alot of crime books and this is by far the best book i have. could not put it down from start to finish.
Published 7 months ago by colm
Was the title changed?
I do all my reading in bed, and it got to the point where I was going to bed almost as soon as I got in from work. Couldn't wait to read the next instalment. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Neilo
An interesting read
Reviewing books is a very personal thing. One person's 'brilliant' is another person's 'not so good'. Read more
Published 14 months ago by W. R. Robinson
Scary Stuff !
Great book. Usually these Mafia type books start off explosively, then lose the readers' interest half way through by having no material left and just giving a repetitive... Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2009 by A. Robinson
Book purchased
It took a while to get to me but I was in no hurry! Book in good enough condition, used and readable, I didn't ask for new so I can't complain! Cheap!
Published on 30 Aug 2009 by K. McGee
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