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

by William Balsamo, John Balsamo

Overview

Many people are familiar with the story of Al Capone, the legendary Chicago gangster best known for orchestrating the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. But few are aware that Capone’s 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 Capone’s 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 insider’s access, details about Capone’s 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 Capone’s 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. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620871096
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	09/01/2012
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Bill 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 film, 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 The Sally Jesse Raphael Show, The Joe Franklin Show, The Geraldo Rivera Show, and various documentary features on the History Channel, A&E, the Learning Channel, Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, and, most recently, the Bio Channel.

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.

Table of Contents

Authors' note ix

Introduction xi

Gang Rosters xv

1 Touch Us If You Dare! 1

2 Shoeshines and Shopping Bags 11

3 Eyes in the Mirror 23

4 A Yale Education 41

5 The Cigar Box 47

6 Going for Baccala 63

7 To Catch a Star 75

8 The Man Who Created Scarface 109

9 Ma, Dance with Pa! 125

10 Chicago, Here I Come! 133

11 Crazy Benny's Watery Grave 167

12 The Interrupted Honeymoon 179

13 New Underworld Order 191

14 Fish in the Barrel 227

15 The Peg Leg Murders 245

Acknowledgments 261

About the Authors 263

Index 265

Editorial Reviews

This story of Capone's early years in Brooklyn is a captivating look at one of the 20th century's most notorious criminals. With the assistance of his brother John, noted Capone historian William Balsamo compiles a compendium of little-known facts about the gangster's formative years from 1899 to 1925. One novel feature of this biography is the use of first-person accounts from those who knew Scarface and were part of his inner circle during this time. The road to Chicago was paved with incidents ranging from how he received the scar and developed his famous stare to more serious crimes in his neighborhood, including the precursor to the infamous St. Valentine's Day massacre. The inclusion of 16 pages of original black-and-white photographs from the private collection of William Balsamo, a distant relative of Brooklyn's first godfather, Batista Balsamo, provides a rare perspective. VERDICT This riveting and detailed narrative will draw readers in. Highly recommended for those interested in criminology and the psychology of crime.—Claire Franek, MSLS, Brockport, NY

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