Gay Talese

Beginning with the 16th- and 17th-century Italian explorers of the American continent, this book traces historical figures of Italian descent who participated in the American Revolution, the Civil War, and early American politics. Chapters also are devoted to Italian American inventors, entrepreneurs, educators, athletes and entertainers. A special section is dedicated to pioneering Italian American women and their accomplishments. The book’s 200-plus illustrations include rare and historic photographs of immigrant life in the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as images of significant people and events in modern Italian American history.

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Here is the story of the rise and fall of the notorious Bonanno crime family of New York. Now considered a classic, Honor Thy Father was the first true-to-life look at the Mafia from the inside. Gaining unprecedented access to the inner sanctum of dons, decisions, and deals, bestselling author Gay Talese brought to the American consciousness a world and a life previously known to only a few. No other book has done more to acquaint this country with the fascinating feuds, secrets, and frightening personalities of the secret organization known as the Mafia.