GANGS of NEW YORK
By Herbert Asbury
"A Star Book" published by Garden City Publishing Co. Garden City, New York, 1928

Obscure Scarce 1928 printing of the Alfred A. Knoff Original and much harder to find than original version.

"The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld". A chronicle of the early gangs of the Bowery, Five Points, Waterfront, etc. in New York City during the 19th and early 20th centuries. 400 pages including index

"The book is about 19th century gangs in the American city of New York City, New York. It details the rise and fall of gangs prior to the domination of the Mafia during Prohibition in the 1920s.

Focusing on the saloon halls, gambling dens and winding alleys of the Bowery and the Five Points district of Lower Manhattan, the book evokes the destitution and violence of a turbulent era, when colorfully named criminals like "Dandy" Johnny Dolan, William Poole (also known as Bill the Butcher), and Hell-Cat Maggie lurked in the shadows, and infamous gangs including the Plug Uglies, Dead Rabbits, and the Bowery Boys ruled the streets. It includes a rogues' gallery of prostitutes, pimps, poisoners, pickpockets, murderers and thieves." [wiki]

The Martin Scorsese movie "The Gangs of New York" was based on this book.

NEAR FINE COPY of scarce printing, NO DUST JACKET.
Average minor wear to covers at extremities due to its age, being read, handled, displayed and stored over many decades. Remarkable condition.

Previous owners name written in ink and in fine penmanship and dated 1930.