Description

Book Synopsis
Explaining Chicago's mix of crime, corruption, and politics

Trade Review
"Lombardo argues persuasively that organized crime is not a foreign deviance implanted by will but rather a condition made possible by circumstances of the place. Recommended."--Choice

"Organized Crime in Chicago offers readers a revealing glimpse into the larger-than-life personalities that inhabited the netherworld of crime, such as members of 'The 42,' a boys' gang organized in the 1930s by seventh graders."--The Historian

"Lombardo recounts more than 100 years of the rise and decline of various criminal organizations, including the Syndicates, the Forty-Two Gang, and the Outfit, in this history explaining the role of organized crime in Chicago. Because Chicago crime is depicted in many popular books and movies, this history will find eager readers everywhere."--Booklist

"Robert M. Lombardo's book deflates the theory that organized crime in the United States was imported from Italy, and he provides ample evidence to prove that organized crime in the city evolved from social structure, frontier immorality, and political corruption. Organized Crime in Chicago should be on the reading lists for true crime enthusiasts and students of Chicago history and criminal history."--American Historical Review

Organized Crime in Chicago

    Product form

    A Hardback by Robert M. Lombardo

    £77.35

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £91.00 – you save £13.65 (15%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 8 Sep 2026.

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Organized Crime in Chicago by Robert M. Lombardo

      Book details

      Publisher University of Illinois Press
      Published 17 December 2012
      ISBN-13 9780252037306
      978-0252037306
      ISBN-10 0252037308
      Also in:
      True crime

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Explaining Chicago's mix of crime, corruption, and politics

      Trade Review
      "Lombardo argues persuasively that organized crime is not a foreign deviance implanted by will but rather a condition made possible by circumstances of the place. Recommended."--Choice

      "Organized Crime in Chicago offers readers a revealing glimpse into the larger-than-life personalities that inhabited the netherworld of crime, such as members of 'The 42,' a boys' gang organized in the 1930s by seventh graders."--The Historian

      "Lombardo recounts more than 100 years of the rise and decline of various criminal organizations, including the Syndicates, the Forty-Two Gang, and the Outfit, in this history explaining the role of organized crime in Chicago. Because Chicago crime is depicted in many popular books and movies, this history will find eager readers everywhere."--Booklist

      "Robert M. Lombardo's book deflates the theory that organized crime in the United States was imported from Italy, and he provides ample evidence to prove that organized crime in the city evolved from social structure, frontier immorality, and political corruption. Organized Crime in Chicago should be on the reading lists for true crime enthusiasts and students of Chicago history and criminal history."--American Historical Review

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account