There’s something so fascinating about the mobsters of the past. I’m not sure if it’s just because it seems so far off and out of the norm, but it’s a topic that we all seem to love reading about. During the earliest part of the last century all major cities had their own version of the mob, but Chicago is known for theirs and the key players. Virtually everyone has heard of Al Capone, but most people don’t know much past his name or the fact he ran the Chicago scene for years.
During his years running the mob in Chicago, there were countless photos taken of the man behind the crime family and the Chicago Tribune has recently opened up their archives to share their images. We were sent a copy of Capone: A Photographic Portrait of America’s Most Notorious Gangster to check out. Inside is filled with large format images from crimes, and days in the life of Al Capone. All of the images throughout the book are scans from original glass-plate negatives and give readers just a hint of what Al Capone was really like besides his years a the crime boss.
History buffs will love looking through Capone to see moments they’ve read about in the past in never before seen images, and to learn more about the man behind the crimes. If you’re a fan of history, old crimes or photography this book is a great addition to your collection.
About Capone: A Photographic Portrait of America’s Most Notorious Gangster:
Capone is a visual retelling of the rise and eventual fall of Chicago’s most notorious gangster: Alphonse “Scarface” Capone. Comprised of many previously unreleased photographs from the Chicago Tribune’s vast archives, Capone reveals the Roaring Twenties and the early days of organized crime. Taken from 1926 to 1952, these photos focus on Capone and his extended network of family, friends, and enemies. All the photos — high-quality scans of original glass-plate negatives — are historically significant for both those interested in Capone and photography buffs in general. The first section covers Al Capone’s luxurious and illicit gangster lifestyle, including vacation homes, mob funerals, and gun-toting arrests up to and including the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929. Part two documents Capone’s 1931 arrest, trial, and sentencing on charges of defrauding the government. The third section introduces a mob target who evaded assassination for decades, and another who wasn’t so lucky. Part four follows up with Al Capone’s brother, Ralph, and the final section focuses on Capone’s death.
