Subjects:  1. 1454-1536.    2. Architecture    3. Avot    4. Commentaries    5. Emrani,    6. Gang'-nameh    7. History Of Judaism    8. Interior Design - General    9. Jewish - General    10. Jewish religious poetry, Judeo    11. Jewish religious poetry, Judeo-Persian    12. Mishnah    13. Mishnah.    14. Sociology    15. Â°EmrÃ¥anÃ¥i,    16. Indic, East Indo-European & Dravidian Languages    17. Islamic studies    18. Literary studies: classical, early & medieval    19. Persian Empire    20. Poetry anthologies: classical, early & medieval    21. °Emrani   

Reviews (40)

A classic of the genre
After fifteen years in publication this book "The Westies" still holds its power. I read it when it came out and was blown away. Reading it again years later I am still impressed with the intimacy and also the historical framework for the story. The book has aged like fine Irish whiskey. Combine"The Westies" together with "Paddy Whacked," another book by T.J. English, and you have the full story of the Irish American gangster that puts these TV shows like "Brotherhood" and "Black Donnellys" to shame.

Still hasn't shipped!!!!!! :(
This item has taken forever to ship.I have little faith that it will, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Interesting but disjointed
Westies is a very interesting book about the so-called Hell's Kitchen "Irish Mob."As true crime and mob books go, it's good.English does a nice job of holding the reader's attention with lots of (often gory) details seemingly gleened from first-hand accounts.Although violent, the book is entertaining -- much like mob movies -- and a quick read.
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Subjects:  1. Crime And Criminals    2. Gangs    3. General    4. History    5. Irish American criminals    6. New York    7. New York (State)    8. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    9. Sociology    10. Westies (Gang)   

Reviews (2)

Truth is stranger than fiction!
This autobiographical account of Robert E. Burns' amazing double escape from a Georgia chain gang in the 1920s seems like a made up tale for Indiana Jones or some such movie hero.The events of his escape, his rise from a laborer to one of the most prominent citizens of Chicago as well as his return to the chain gang are incredible.And he escapes again!The second escape is even more amazing than the first, though he never is able to return to his ideal life or love in Chicago.The very good film version made in 1932 doesn't begin to cover the exciting details of the book, but it makes a good companion piece.The new, modern, well researched introduction, fills in the details that the reader will wonder about at the book's conclussion.It is suggested that the introduction material be read last.

True story of a man's quest for freedom
The story of Robert Burns is an amazing one. Told in the first person, he recounts his life after service in World War I, being sent to a Georgia chain gang, and escaping successfully twice. Although at times he seems to be playing for your sympathy, it is still nonetheless an excellent true story of a man dealing with harsh conditions and overcoming them. The end of the book doesn't tell what happens to him. In a nutshell, he is caught and sent to Georgia and is before a committee, which brings the man he originally robbed in the store. The man says Burns should not be imprisoned and he should be free. Burns is released and lives the rest of his life as a successful businessman. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Burns, Robert Elliott    6. Convict labor    7. Criminals    8. Criminals & Outlaws    9. General    10. Georgia    11. Offenses And Offenders    12. Biography: general    13. Prisons   

Reviews (12)

Yes, many errors, but great photos
I agree with the other reviewers who were dismayed at the amount of spelling errors (especially with proper names), arbitrary capitalization, incorrect dates, etc. in the hardbound version. That said, the photo insert is excellent and well-reproduced. It's worth getting a used hardbound copy for the photos alone. My favorite is a group portrait of four of the Purples, with one sitting in a chair in front of the other three standing, looking more Hollywood-ethnic-gangster than Hollywood has ever been able to pull off. If a movie is ever made, Brad Garrett of Everybody Loves Raymond is the obvious choice to play Phil Keywell--a dead ringer.
And purple they were...
This books really brings to light some very interesting characters of the underworld in the early-mid 1900's.Joey Bernstein the smallest of the brothers, but the most feared!There is also a quick intro to Capone, Murder Inc, and a few other gangs that predated the Purples.To think that the Purple Gang got its start in a school of all places - simply amazing.
The Purple Gang of Detroit
As another reviewer pointed out, this is an important book because it is the only book on the Purple Gang. How this gang has escaped serious study is beyond me. Growing up in the Detroit area their name has popped up over the years many many times, as some oldtimer recollects or a house that once was a Purple Gang hideout is bulldozed, stuff like that. One time in the Detroit Public Library I went into the history room and they asked for my ID and I jokingly said, "what do you think I am in the Purple Gang or something?" The guy who asked laughed and said "funny you should say that. A writer has been trying to research the Purple Gang, and is having a hell of a time. It seems like most of the police files on them have somehow disappeared". I cannot vouch for that info, but I suppose that it was the author of this book that was doing the research and maybe that explains why there is so little info available. For that reason alone, despite the grammatical errors that others found annoying, I give it 5 stars. I found it a fascinating read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. General    3. Infamous Crimes And Criminals    4. Organized Crime    5. Social History    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. True Crime / Espionage    9. United States - 20th Century (1900-1945)    10. True Crime / General   

Reviews (8)

Plenty of information about the gang here
If you just want the facts about the Dillinger Gang then this is the book for you. The books flows smoothly and is easy to read, individual chapters are allocated to each gang member which details their family life, upbringing and their drift into a life of crime. Many of them lost one or both parents very early in life, maybe this pushed them over the edge to crime l do not know, but low paying, mundane jobs were not an option for the Dillinger gang.
Comprehensive Historical Biography
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (8/06)
The Gang's All Here!
This is not a book of rehashed material, as one recent reviewer complained. Little of the biographical material on John Dillinger is new--after all, millions of words were written in his own time, and the biographies continue to flow in--but there is a goldmine of new information on all the major members of the two Dillinger Gangs. As Bill Helmer comments on the back cover, "Dillinger didn't do it alone," and King's goal in this book was to cover the criminal backgrounds of John's accomplices, something no one has done before. And he succeeds remarkably well. The previously undocumented criminal careers of Harry Pierpont, Charles Makley, John Hamilton, Russell Clark, Tommy Carroll, Homer Van Meter, and Eddie Green are covered in great detail, and it makes for fascinating reading. Most of these men committed far more crimes, and over a wider geographic area, than the celebrated gang members, Dillinger and "Baby Face" Nelson. Pierpont, Carroll, or Makley alone would each be deserving case studies themselves for book length biographies. This book is destined to become a true crime classic at least for its in-depth study of the gang members. That much said, there are flaws, which cause me to dock a star: [1] Some obsolete legends from previous Dillinger biographers--notably Toland and Nash--are accepted uncritically; [2] Nelson's three-fingered getaway driver on the Grand Haven bank robbery is not likely to have been William "Three-Fingered Jack" White, whom King definitely identifies him to be. FBI files on the Grand Haven job mention White as a possible suspect but tend to rule him out and no certain identification was ever made; [3] King obviously missed the recent expanded paperback edition of the Girardin-Helmer work "Dillinger: The Untold Story". Otherwise he would know that the fake guns used in the Pierpont-Makley death house break were carved from soapstone, not soap as previously reported. But these are minor quibbles and no historical work of any kind has ever been without errors. This book is a good read and there are plenty of leads here for future researchers to pursue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Criminals    6. Gangs    7. General    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. Middle West    11. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    12. Rich & Famous    13. True Crime / Espionage    14. United States    15. United States - 20th Century (1900-1945)    16. Biography: general    17. Crime & criminology   

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - General    2. Gangs    3. Gender Studies    4. General    5. Juvenile delinquents    6. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. United States   

Reviews (2)

Forgotten Memories
Voice of Youth Advocates Magazine October 2002 VOYA Midwest Book Review Magazine
Forgotten MemoriesRead more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. California    4. Childhood Memoir    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    6. Ethnic Cultures - General    7. Gang members    8. Hispanic American youth    9. Juvenile Nonfiction    10. San Jose    11. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    12. Social conditions    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Ethnic / Hispanic & Latino   

Reviews (4)

A brilliant effort
Miller, generally considered the best young female criminologist in North America, has won several awards for this book.While there is some information from her dissertation in this, it is far from a published dissertation.Rather it is a breakthrough study in gender studies, and is absolutely essential reading for those in the field working with both girls and boys on the streets.

Not applicable to most girls in gangs
This book is, in large part, a result of the author's dissertation.In an attempt to try to get something published and/or tenure, she compiled descriptive information about gangs in St. Louis and Columbus.While it may be interesting to a few in academia, this book offers no practical value to the gang problems we face everyday.Nor can it be applied to prevention/intervention programs in other locales.

Gang girls in the midwest
Miller's book is an excellent study of an issue that has not received much attention in criminology - girls' involvement in gangs.Based on her interviews of gang girls in St. Louis and Columbus, she challenges the common belief that girls do not join gangs or participate in gang-related crime.She explores the differences between male and female gang involvement, offering an explanation for these differences based on predominant gender norms which even "deviant" youth do not escape.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adolescence - General    2. Criminology    3. Female juvenile delinquents    4. Gang members    5. Gangs    6. Juvenile delinquents    7. Life Stages - Adolescence    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Urban    11. United States    12. Juvenile offenders    13. North Central & Mid-West states    14. Social Science / Sociology / Urban    15. Sociology | Sex & Gender    16. Women's studies   

Subjects:  1. African American youth    2. Education    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Life Stages - Adolescence    5. Multicultural Education    6. Philosophy & Social Aspects    7. Social conditions    8. Adolescents    9. Black studies    10. Men's studies    11. North Central & Mid-West states    12. USA    13. Urban communities   

Editorial Review

On January 15, 1990, the AT&T long-distance phone network crashed. Although it was eventually ruled an accident, the event was a wake-up call to telephone companies and law enforcement agencies everywhere, exposing the fragility of the systems that we all heavily depend on. The feds decided that the time had come to crack down on the handful of computer hackers they had been monitoring for several years in connection with the phone companies. The term "hacker" is about to become a household word, and not in the sense of "great programming."Read more

Reviews (76)

Still fun to read 10 years later...
At 225 pages you can breeze through it rather quickly, enjoying afascinating look at young people with the commitment, energy and intelligence it took to hack and learn new systems. It was a time when the phone company was deregulated but Ma Bell's offspring still held quite a lot of power and were irresistible to phone phreaks and hackers. If you don't expect too much you'll enjoy a look into the hacker sub-culture. They were explorers and not criminals. I attended several conferences with these guys in later years and can report that their pursuit of knowledge is still fascinating. Social engineering is still the best hack for me. Plik!

Good book on hackers sub-culture
Actually this is a great book about the hacker sub-culture, indeed one of the bests I have ever read. This book describes very well the whole story and social aspects of New York City hackers but fails when dealing with technical aspects or lacks it. I can afirm it's a good book for people who are intersted to know how poor guys in Queens, NY, rised from nothing to create one of the most notorious hacker gang ever and to improve knowledge about the late 80's and early 90's american hacker scene.

Journalistic view of one event
This is not a book about hackers; it's a book about some specific hackers who happen to come after much of the action was concluded. Even more than that, it's a book biased toward New York which contains every implied slander of Texas that one can meld into a narrative about hackers. I like the description of MOD, and thought the authors did an excellent job of building up the character of these kids, but find that for the size of this book, it missed an absolute raft of important knowledge. Why do people hack? What, besides damaged egos, makes it thrilling to have forbidden knowledge? How could our society be so incompetent as to leave these giant security holes everywhere? And finally: what was the global hacking culture like, outside of the spacy little land of New York City? The boys from LOD are treated as props and their contributions ignored, which is infuriating to someone who is familiar with the goings-on in the computer underground at that time. Also, technical writing is not difficult, and while this book tries to stay non-technical, I have to ask "why?" There are interesting details which are overlooked and could have been conveyed in English. These authors do a credible job of buildup, but then hype a few incidents into some metaphor for cyberspace, and consequently halve the strength of their book. I would recommend this to people who cannot simply pick up a copy of "2600" magazine or "Phrack" and figure it out for themselves, but not to anyone who cares about the heart, soul or brains of hacker culture. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer crimes    2. Computer hackers    3. Computer security    4. General    5. New York    6. New York (State)    7. Sociology - General    8. True Crime / Espionage    9. Computer fraud & hacking    10. Technology / General   

Reviews (8)

A vital look at one of America's secret histories.
Much can and has been written about how important this book is, especially now.Few things I've ever read have said so much about the ability to transcend one's circumanstances and the opportunity to employ that momentum toward tremendous social change.Strangely, far less has been said about how wonderfully told the story is.Nation of Lords is an energetic and stirring read and is among the most charged social biographies ever written.

A Compelling and Important Chronicle
A NATION OF LORDS tells a story that is -- on its face -- viscerally compelling and exciting, but below the surface examines humanity, the nature of social change and how people (or a single person) can have a positive affect on one's environment. The Vice Lords were a gang that redefined inner-city violence, but they ultimately became a social and political force to be reckoned with -- nonviolently fighting corruption in local Chicago government and elevating their impoverished community. It is a story of triumph and sacrifice for a greater good. And it is an inspiration -- one that will hopefully call future generations to similar action.
Do yourself a favor and read this book
A NATION OF LORDS chronicles the transformation of one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs from ruthless criminals to community leaders and activists.It is at once a horrifying and inspiring account, a must read for anyone with an opinion on the racial and economic oppression that plagues this country. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Chicago    4. Ethnic Issues    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Gangs    7. Illinois    8. Social Science / African-American Studies    9. Social Science / Sociology / Urban    10. Vice Lords (Organization)    11. Violence (Sociological Aspects)    12. African American Studies    13. Sociology - Urban   

Reviews (22)

Idiots exist everywhere
I've met many people from different fraternities who do have honor.They have chosen to speak on behalf of victims in those few trials where the victims were able to bring themselves to report it.I've also met a few from their fraternities that thought those people were liars."How dare they attack my fraternity?"Was the general statement.
I'm Greek and I love this book!
In response to the many Greeks who wrote reviews disparaging this book because it "perpetuates stereotypes." First of all, to some of you, do not write reviews without reading a book. Second, this book tells the truth about events that happened to quite a few women at my school. It is an Ivy league school, by the way, so just because you have researched a school for its reputation does not protect you. I am a member of a sorority, and I adore it, but the fact that I love the Greek system is all the more reason to support this book. Don't shoot the messenger... this type of event happened very often during the period Sanday researched the book (the 80s) and the book was a significant force in reducing this type of incident. If you love the Greek system, you should be willing to face the truth. A minority of Greek organizations have committed some terrible crimes, and the setup of the Greek party system, brotherhood values, and school protection of male organizations rather than female victims out of concern for their reputations combined to allow them to go unpunished. This book is about how our culture allows people to get away with this type of crime, and how on campuses this behavior is excused. If you want to end what you call stereotypes, work on helping our Greek organizations be the best they can be, and don't be upset with a woman who just told the stories of people who experienced terrible things! I am well aware of the good Greeks do (I'm my sorority's philanthropy chair), but I also know that Sanday (a professor of mine) told the truth in her book, which was only an expose of what happened. Just because we are proud of the Greek system doesn't mean we can't recognize that in some cases it can promote sexual assault (I am also a certified sexual assault counselor, and hear all too often the stories of women who are assaulted on college campuses.) We need to recognize the problem of "a sense of entitlement" and oversexualization at some Greek organizations and work to fix it rather than just ranting at people who dare to air some dirty laundry.

Finally
When I was choosing a book for a college health course and I stumbled across this book the word that came out was...finally.I did not say that word because I had found a book, it was because someone finally realized the truth.Sanday realized that boys in these fraternities were getting away with rape and not being punished.She also included several testimonies to display the reality of this issue.Sanday was able to research and write about an issue that is definitely prominent on many college campuses,yet is ignored.For people to think that this does not go on they are just as guilty as the person who commits the crime. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abuse - Sexual    2. Criminology    3. Sociology    4. Students & Student Life    5. ACQUAINTANCE RAPE    6. Association: clubs, societies    7. GANGS    8. GREEK LETTER SOCIETIES    9. Gender studies    10. Popular psychology    11. RAPE    12. Sexual abuse    13. Social Science / Criminology    14. Social, group or collective psychology   

Subjects:  1. Brazil    2. Crime    3. Criminology    4. Latin America - South America    5. Political Ideologies - Democracy    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Popular Culture - Counter Culture    9. Public Policy - Social Policy    10. Rio de Janeiro    11. Slums    12. Violence    13. Crime & criminology    14. Political Science / Social Policy    15. drug trafficking; Brazilian drug trade; drug dealers; cocaine market; urban crime/ criminal networks; political corruption;Rio de Janeiro; gangs; favelas; slums; shantytowns; democratization; violence; corruption; crime; human rights   

Reviews (3)

Nice Cookbook from a Great Company that Donates to Outstanding Organizations
I love Paul Newman.He does so much for kids and other charitable organizations.It's hard to believe an actor like Paul Newman would be so active in non-profit organizations.It's also nice that he does it through offering awesome products that help your family out too.
God Bless This Company!
I am a loyal user of Newman's Own and Newman's Own Organics.This is a fun cookbook.My daughter and I enjoyed making the Jack in the Beanstalk Soup.It is nice to have a cookbook including so many of the Newman products.Lemonade Chicken Wings?Very tasty and a nice variety from the spicy. The Turkey meatballs and spaghetti is really good.
The books recipes are fun and easy. Some of My family members will not eat beef, and the Turkey meatballs and spaghetti was an excellent sub for beef meatballs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American cooking    2. Cookery, American    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Health & Healing - General    6. Hole in the Wall Gang Camp    7. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    8. Biography & Autobiography / General    9. Food & drink / cookery: general interest    10. General cookery   

Reviews (11)

Interactions with a gang of furry individuals.
Grace Spruch and her husband Larry, both physics professors, moved into a Greenwich Village apartment in 1970.For ten years Grace kept a journal of the observations she made about the squirrels that visited them for daily handouts of nuts.Looking for a book with drama, romance, suspense, and excitement?Look elsewhere.But if you want to read a wonderful account of a rodent-loving woman's interactions with a charming gang of furry individuals, check this book out.
Charming, Delightful, Entertaining, Informative
I loved this book so much! Since I have moved from Pennsylvania to Australia I have missed squirrels very much. They are such beautiful and resourceful creatures yet we seem to know so little about them. Grace's story of her experiences with her neighbourhood squirrels will delight any animal lover. She has a unique perspective and writing style which is intelligent yet appreciative of the little critters. I really loved her wonderful accounts of which squirrels prefer which nuts and how they choose between them.
Delightful and fun
This book is such a gem, easily one of the best books I've read in a long time.It's informative, funny, and written with a very sensitive eye.You really do get to know (and love) each of the memorable characters that visited the author over the years.All the while, you learn a lot of fascinating things about squirrels and how they behave.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. General    3. Gray squirrel    4. Greenwich Village (N.Y.)    5. Mammals    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. New York (State)    9. Spruch, Grace Marmor   

Subjects:  1. True Crime    2. 20th century    3. American history: from c 1900 -    4. Louisiana    5. Social history    6. c 1900 - c 1914   

Reviews (9)

Thin, weak and inaccurate...
...probably like the law-dawgs that wrote it.
Waste of Money
This is not a book, its some type written pages that were copied.The content is stupid.If you want real insight read "The Brotherhood" by Aruthur Veno.Its current and accurate.

hey its Luigi
oh like you know its itsy bitsy moo mo ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminology    2. Popular Culture - General    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Social Science / Criminology   

Reviews (1)

great overview of Dogme 95 movement
This book is a great, in-depth look at the Dogme 95 movement. It's the first book I've seen that attempts to cover most of the Dogme films, as well as precursors to the Dogme movement (Godard, Warhol, etc). Jack Stevenson does a great job keeping it interesting, and keeping his perspective on the whole thing too. It's fun to read about the more well-publicized Dogme films like The Celebration and The King is Alive, as well as lesser known but worthy efforts such as Resin and The Sparkle Room. This book makes me want to track down a bunch of films. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Dogme (or Lars von Trier, or indie film in general). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Dogme 95 (Group)    2. Experimental films    3. Film & Video - Amateur Production    4. Film & Video - Direction & Production    5. Film & Video - History & Criticism    6. History and criticism    7. Performing Arts    8. Performing Arts/Dance    9. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    10. Film theory & criticism    11. Performing Arts / Film / History & Criticism   

Subjects:  1. Africa - South - South Africa    2. Gangs    3. General    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    8. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    9. South Africa    10. Violence in Society    11. History / South Africa    12. Organized crime    13. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    14. Republic of South Africa