Young Al Capone: The Untold Story of Scarface in New York, 1899-1925

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Many people are familiar with the story of Al Capone, the legendary Chicago gangster best known for orchestrating the St. Valentines Day Massacre. But few are aware that Capones remarkable story began in the Navy Yard section of Brooklyn, New York. Tutored by the likes of infamous mobsters Johnny Torrio and Frankie Yale, young Capones disquieting demeanor, combined with the technical advice he learned from these shady teachers, contributed to the molding of a brutal criminal whose pseudonym, Scarface, evoked fascination throughout the world.

Despite the best efforts of previous biographers lacking true insiders access, details about Capones early years have, until now, mostly been shrouded in mystery. With access gained through invaluable familial connections, the authors were able to open the previously sealed mouths of Capones known living associates. Collecting information through these interviews and never-before-published documents, the life of young Al Capone at last came into focus.

Among the many revelations in Young Al Capone are new details about the brutal Halloween Night murder of rival gangster Wild Bill Lovett, grisly details on how Capone and his Black Hand crew cleverly planned the shootout and barbaric hatchet slaying of White Hand boss Richard Peg Leg Lonergan, insight into the dramatic incident that forced Capone to leave New York, and much more.

Author Bio

WILLIAM BALSAMO, considered by many to be one of the premier Capone historians, has invested more than twenty five years in researching and writing this unique book. He is the author of Crime, Inc., now in its fifth printing, and served as a consultant to both Brian DePalma's blockbuster 1987 The Untouchables, and the companion book for the 1994 Fox TV special, Loyalty and Betrayal: The Story of the American Mob, produced by Nicholas Pillegi (Wiseguy, Casino). Mr. Balsamo's many television appearances include documentary features on the History Channel, A&E, the Learning Channel, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, and, most recently, the Bio Channel. He lives in Staten Island, New York. JOHN BALSAMO is the chief executive of SUPERDON INC., a company that markets board games. Previous to that, John worked on the Brooklyn waterfront for more than thirty years while compiling extensive material regarding the life of young Capone. He lives in Staten Island, New York.