 First edition cover | |
| Author | Herbert Asbury |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Subject | Early 19th-early 20th century crime in New York City |
| Published | 1928 |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 400 |
| OCLC | 8903814 |
| Dewey Decimal | 364.106097471 |
| LC Class | HV6439 .U7 |
The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld is an American non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury, first published in 1928 by Alfred A. Knopf. It was the basis for Martin Scorsese's 2002 film Gangs of New York.
Asbury published an article, "The Old-Time Gangs of New York", in The American Mercury in 1927, which was incorporated into the book published the following year.
Description
Further information: List of identities in The Gangs of New York (book)The book details the rise and fall of 19th century gangs in New York City, prior to the domination of the Italian-American Mafia during Prohibition in the 1920s. Focusing on the saloon halls, gambling dens, and winding alleys of the Bowery and the Five Points district of Lower Manhattan, the book evokes the destitution and violence of a turbulent era, when colorfully named criminals like "Dandy" Johnny Dolan, William Poole (also known as Bill the Butcher), and Hell-Cat Maggie lurked in the shadows, and infamous gangs including the Plug Uglies, Dead Rabbits, and Bowery Boys ruled the streets. It includes a rogues' gallery of prostitutes, pimps, poisoners, pickpockets, murderers, and thieves.
The book contains detailed accounts of the New York City draft riots in 1863. It also elaborates on numerous other criminal influences of the time, including river pirates and the corrupt political establishment such as Tammany Hall.
Adaptation
The book was loosely adapted into the epic historical drama film Gangs of New York (2002) by director Martin Scorsese. A television adaptation is in the works with Scorsese set to return as executive producer and director of the first two episodes. Brett C. Leonard is writing the series, which will be a new take with characters not included in the film.
See also
- Books about New York City
- History of New York City
- List of non-fiction works made into feature films
References
- Herbert Asbury (August 1927). "The Old-Time Gangs of New York". The American Mercury. Vol. XI, no. 44. pp. 478–486.
- "Author of "Hatrack" working on story of New York gang life". The Columbia Missourian. October 22, 1927 – via Newspapers.com.
- Andreeva, Nellie (October 13, 2022). "'Gangs Of New York' TV Series In Works At Miramax With Writer Brett Leonard; Martin Scorsese To Direct". Deadline. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
External links
- Full text of The Gangs of New York at HathiTrust Digital Library
- The Gangs of New York in libraries (WorldCat catalog)
- Comparison of the book and movie at herbertasbury.com
| The Gangs of New York | |
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| Film adaptations | |
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- 1928 non-fiction books
- 19th century in New York City
- Books about New York City
- Non-fiction books adapted into films
- English-language books
- Five Points, Manhattan
- Former gangs in New York City
- History books about the 19th century
- Non-fiction books about organized crime
- Works about Irish-American organized crime
- Crime book stubs
- New York City stubs