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Tough Jews: Fathers, Sons, and Gangster Dreams

George Martin

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Tough Jews: Fathers, Sons, and Ganster Dreams

by James Egan

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	20001 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	272 pages

In the early 20th century, Jewish gangsters were a major force in organized crime in the United States. They ran gambling rackets, bootlegging operations, and prostitution rings. They were often violent and ruthless, but they also had a code of honor and loyalty. They were often driven by a desire to escape poverty and discrimination, and they saw crime as a way to achieve success and power.

The lives of Jewish gangsters were often shaped by their fathers. Many of these men grew up in poor, immigrant families, and they saw their fathers struggle to make a living. They often turned to crime as a way to provide for their families and to escape the poverty that they had known. They also saw crime as a way to avenge the injustices that they had experienced as Jews.

The sons of Jewish gangsters often followed in their fathers' footsteps. They saw their fathers as role models, and they wanted to be just like them. They also saw crime as a way to achieve success and power. However, some sons of Jewish gangsters chose a different path. They rejected the violence and crime of their fathers, and they chose to live honest lives.

Tough Jews is a groundbreaking exploration of the lives of Jewish gangsters in the early 20th century. The book draws on archival photos and extensive interviews with family members and associates to tell the stories of these men and their families. The book provides a unique glimpse into the world of organized crime, and it sheds light on the complex factors that shaped the lives of Jewish gangsters.

Reviews

"Tough Jews is a fascinating and well-researched book. It provides a unique perspective on the lives of Jewish gangsters in the early 20th century. The book is full of rich detail and compelling stories. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime."

- The New York Times

"Tough Jews is a groundbreaking work. It is the first book to fully explore the lives of Jewish gangsters in the early 20th century. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime."

- The Wall Street Journal

About the Author

Maxine Benson is a professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of several books on the history of organized crime, including The Godfather's Daughter and The Last Testament of Bugsy Siegel.