The Mafia: A History

Guest: Louis Ferrante is the bestselling author of Mob Rules and a former high-ranking Gambino lieutenant. His latest book, Borgata: Rise of Empire: A History of the American Mafia, is the first book in a three-volume epic history of the Mafia from 1860s Sicily to 1960s America.

[@koolev2001]

It's interesting because the Dogon people, one of the oldest indigenous groups in West Africa, also have/had a paternalistic male elder making the major decisions & solving problems in the community. 800 years of "Moorish" rule in Spain, Portugal & especially Sicily had an impact, especially because West African empires/culture, Ghana, Mali & Songhai played a major role & had key roles in those conquered areas of Southern Europe. The world is much more mixed than most will ever admit. I appreciate Ferrante talking about how whole regions & their communities are suddenly made "illegal" it continues into today.

[@LaLasta]

Such interesting history told compellingly by such an interesting author

[@steveswangler6373]

Borgata is the best book on the mafia I have ever read, I eagerly await volume 2.
Sicily is basically a melting pot of various cultures through centuries.

[@Ecotechnologist]

Great to get some real history on a highly mythologized organization.

[@jimce2799]

Excellent description of the origins of the Mafia and of the history of Sicily and its relation to Italy

[@jimce2799]

The mafia became more predatory after the unification with Italy because they were now being persecuted and labeled as criminals when they werent necessarily seen that way among the Sicilian prior to that.

[@jimce2799]

Were the Madi or madia, or the "modest people" where the word Martyr comes from??

[@Papawcanner]

I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the 50s . I had no idea there was a mafia . LOL

[@Madasin_Paine]

Drugs, alcohol, human trafikking, weapons, shakedown, adulterations of products, services, protection rackets, market manipulation, war, intel, political meddling, payola, and other perversions of care, law, bz, gov and religion.
Secrecy, deception, violence, profits, death, inflictions, community, suffering and loss..
Variations globally and locally available.
Consequences felt by public and private parties and habitats across the spectrum.

[@Gambino77G]

Intelligent Man I Can Listen Him All Day Love Is Interviews Blessing Brother.🇮🇹🍷🤌🏻

[@christiansmith-of7dt]

I dont look good but I make a shitload of money , cox

[@jimce2799]

If you were around a generation or two earlier you probably wouldve risen to a boss.