THEFT OF THE NATION: The Structure and Procedures of Organized Crime

by Donald R. Cressey ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 26, 1968

A responsible analysis of the nationwide crime confederation known loosely as the Cosa Nostra. Cressey, regarded professionally as the Galbraith of criminal sociology, was one of the chief authors of the report of the President's Task Force on Organized Crime. Here he extends that study, incorporating an additional year's research, and explaining in detail the operations of the ""corrupters,"" ""corruptees,"" and ""enforcers"" which are central to the crime bureaucracy. Starting with the confederation's origin in the Mafia, he outlines its evolution and contemporary structure--comprised of specialists who tend to ""exploit rather than to destroy."" The network now rivals any large business organization. In fact, it has extended its monopoly from illegitimate to licit operations and for this reason has, in Cressey's view, become a serious peril to both the social and economic fabric of the nation. Cressey's book is apt to be a major instrument toward curtailing the confederation--both because it is a coherent, clear dossier and because he includes specific and highly viable recommendations for combatting organized crime.

Pub Date: Feb. 26, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION