Borgata: Rise of Empire

by Louis Ferrante
Borgata: Rise of Empire cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2900
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781474621526
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2023-11-09
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Borgata: Rise of Empire by Louis Ferrante offers an insider's perspective on the American mafia, tracing its origins from 19th-century Sicily to its dominance in American society. Ferrante, a former mafia member, provides a vivid account of the social, economic, and political forces that fueled the mafia's ascent, including their role during Prohibition, their involvement with U.S. Naval Intelligence during World War II, and their establishment of a gambling mecca in Las Vegas. The book also explores the lives of notable mobsters like Lucky Luciano, Vito Genovese, Frank Costello, and Meyer Lansky, filling in crucial gaps in mafia history. This first volume of a groundbreaking trilogy delivers the most comprehensive account yet of the world's most famous criminal fraternity, journeying from its humble beginnings to the height of its power as the most influential organized criminal network in America. Ferrante's masterful narrative provides a unique and eye-opening look into the inner workings of the mafia, offering insights that only an insider could provide.

Reviews
Crime and Investigation · True Crime Podcast Host · 2025-10-16
in-depth 4.20

The reviewer praises the book for offering an in-depth look at the American mafia's origins, highlighting Ferrante's unique perspective as a former mafia member.

This reviewer, a true crime podcast host, seems to have a deep appreciation for the book's detailed exploration of the American mafia's origins. They highlight Ferrante's unique perspective as a former mafia member, which adds a layer of authenticity and insight to the narrative. The reviewer likely found the book to be both educational and engaging, providing a comprehensive look at the mafia's evolution from 19th-century Sicily to its rise in America. They seem to think that Ferrante's firsthand account is a valuable contribution to the genre.

Quick quotes

    'Borgata: Rise of Empire' by former mafia member Louis Ferrante offers an in-depth look at the American mafia's origins in 19th-century Sicily and its rise in America.

    Ferrante's unique perspective as a former mafia member adds a layer of authenticity and insight to the narrative.

    A comprehensive look at the mafia's evolution.

Barnes & Noble · 2025-10-16
excellent 4.50

The reviewer found the book to be an excellent and entertaining account of the Mafia's beginnings in the U.S., praising Ferrante's casual yet informative writing style.

This reviewer really enjoyed the book, calling it an absolutely excellent telling of the Mafia's origins. They appreciated Ferrante's casual and entertaining writing style, which made the historical account both informative and engaging. The reviewer seems to think that Ferrante's firsthand experience adds a unique and valuable perspective to the story, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the history of organized crime.

Quick quotes

    Absolutely excellent telling of the beginnings and rise of the Mafia in the U.S.

    Mr. Ferrante's writing style is casual, entertaining, and informative.

    I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of organized crime.

Waterstones · 2024-11-07
masterful 4.00

The reviewer highlights Ferrante's masterful account as the first in a groundbreaking trilogy, noting his unique insider perspective.

This review emphasizes the book's significance as the first volume in a groundbreaking trilogy. The reviewer appreciates Ferrante's unique insider perspective, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. They seem to think that Ferrante's firsthand experience provides a vivid and crucial portrayal of the early American mobsters, making the book a valuable addition to the genre. The reviewer likely found the book to be both informative and engaging, given Ferrante's ability to bring history to life.

Quick quotes

    This volume is the first in a groundbreaking new trilogy from a man who has seen it all from the inside.

    Ferrante's masterful account journeys from the group's origins in 19th-century Sicily to its rise in America.

    A vivid portrayal of early American mobsters.

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