Description
Book Synopsis: The unknown inside story of the NYPD’s Italian-born detectives who fought both powerful gangsters and the deeply ingrained prejudice against their own beloved immigrant community.
The story begins in Sicily, on Friday, March 12, 1909, at 8:45 p.m. Three gunshots thundered in the night, and then a fourth. Two men fled, and investigators soon discovered who they had killed: Giuseppe Petrosino, the legendary American detective whose exploits in New York were celebrated even in Italy.
The Italian Squad, by veteran New York City journalist and historian Paul Moses, explores the lives of the nationally celebrated detectives who followed in the slain Petrosino’s footsteps as leaders of the New York City investigative squad: Anthony Vachris, Charles Corrao, and Michael Fiaschetti. Drawing on new primary sources such as private diaries and city, state, and federal documents, this dramatic narrative history follows the Italian Squad across the first two decades of the twentieth century as its detectives battled increasingly powerful gangsters, political obstacles and deeply ingrained prejudice against their own beloved Italian immigrant community.
Vachris, Corrao, and Fiaschetti became, like Petrosino, famous for meting out tough justice to criminals who comprised the “Black Hand.” Beyond trying to prevent horrific crimes—nighttime bombings in crowded tenements, kidnappings that targeted children at play, gangland shootings that killed innocent bystanders—the Italian Squad commanders hoped to persuade society of what they knew for themselves: that their fellow immigrant Italians, so often maligned, would make good American citizens.
In this explosive story, Moses carefully strips away the mythology that has always enveloped the Italian Squad and offers instead a nuanced portrait of brave but flawed men who fought the good fight for their people and their city.
Details
Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of crime-fighting with "The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia". Delve into the unknown inside story of the NYPD's Italian-born detectives who fearlessly combated powerful gangsters and battled deep-rooted prejudice against their immigrant community. Written by renowned New York City journalist and historian Paul Moses, this captivating book takes you on a thrilling journey from the streets of Sicily to the crime-ridden alleys of New York City.
Transport yourself back to Sicily on that fateful night of Friday, March 12, 1909. The echoes of three gunshots pierced the darkness, followed by a fourth. Giuseppe Petrosino, the legendary American detective, had fallen victim to a sinister plot. Follow in the footsteps of the Italian Squad as they take up the mantle left behind by Petrosino and become the leading investigative unit of New York City. Meet the courageous detectives Anthony Vachris, Charles Corrao, and Michael Fiaschetti who defied danger to protect their beloved city.
Discover a wealth of new primary sources, including private diaries and government documents, meticulously researched by Paul Moses. His narrative history unravels the Italian Squad's journey spanning the first two decades of the twentieth century. As these valiant detectives faced increasingly powerful gangsters, political obstacles, and prejudice against their fellow Italian immigrants, they fought against the infamous "Black Hand" criminals, determined to protect innocent lives.
Moses boldly challenges the myths surrounding the Italian Squad, painting a nuanced portrait of these extraordinary men. Yes, they were flawed, but their courage and determination to fight for justice and their immigrant community were unparalleled. They endeavored to prove to society that Italian immigrants could be exceptional American citizens.
Explore the explosive story of the Italian Squad and be captivated by this gripping tale of bravery and sacrifice. Uncover a part of history that has often been overshadowed by legend and speculation. Join the movement to shine a light on these unsung heroes and their relentless pursuit of justice.
Experience the untold story of the Italian Squad today and rediscover the true essence of honor, justice, and the indomitable spirit of immigrant cops. Order now and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired, amazed, and forever changed.
Discover More Best Sellers in Anthropology
Shop Anthropology
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
$15.59
Anthropology - White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism
African Origin of Civilization - The Myth or Reality
$10.65
Anthropology - African Origin of Civilization - The Myth or Reality
The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name
$17.99
Anthropology - The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name
In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl: Zelia Nuttall and the Search for Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations
$32.95
Anthropology - In the Shadow of Quetzalcoatl: Zelia Nuttall and the Search for Mexico’s Ancient Civilizations
$24.73
Anthropology - Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States (Volume 27) (California Series in Public Anthropology)
