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The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld
The Gangs of New York An Informal History of the Underworld
Author: Herbert Asbury
First published in 1928, Herbert Asbury's whirlwind tour through the low-life of nineteenth-century New York has become an indispensible classic of urban history. — Focusing on the saloon halls, gambling dens, and winding alleys of the Bowery and the notorious Five Points district, The Gangs of New York dramatically evokes the d...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780307388988
ISBN-10: 0307388980
Publication Date: 7/1/2008
Pages: 400
Edition: Reprint
Rating:
  • Currently 2.8/5 Stars.
 4

2.8 stars, based on 4 ratings
Publisher: Vintage
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

emeralds avatar reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very good book, it keeps you interested from the start to the end.
tschaap avatar reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I had never realized the history of gangs in NY went so far back in time. So much good material here.
reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
history, not the fiction book verasion of the movie
canadianeh avatar reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on + 242 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fierce fighting, mob violence and utter poverty; pirate gangs, draft riots and dance house brawls: it's all here, complete with contemporary illustrations. A great read and an eye-opener to the debauchery of early New York. This book is an excellent companion to the movie of the same name and the series "Five Points". An exciting read about a terrible time.
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reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on
Not a bad read especially if this city fascinates you like it does me. From a general history standpoint I found the chapters on the Civil War draft riots especially informative and enlightening. Overall for me it could have been done just as well in 100 fewer pages.
reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on + 15 more book reviews
i was really, really ready for this book to be over by the time i got to the last few pages. endless pages of names of people that i couldn't follow, but it was a very good history lesson on where i'm living. it was incredible to read about all the history of the little corners of nyc that i frequent on a regular basis and to read about what's happened there.
reviewed The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld on
This non-fiction text explores the "underbelly" of 19th century New York: the ethnic tensions and wars, the race riots, the corruption, Boss Tweed and Tammaney Hall. This text was the basis for Scorsese's film "The Gangs of New York" starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio.


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