Author: ENGLISH, T. J. (1957-)
Title: The Havana mob: gangsters, gamblers, showgirls and revolutionaries in 1950s Cuba / T.J. English
Description: Edinburgh: Mainstream 2007. 1st edition. Fine cloth copy in an equally fine dust-wrapper. Particularly and surprisingly well-preserved; tight. bright. clean and especially sharp-cornered. Physical description; 400 p. [16] p. of plates: ill. ports.; 25 cm. Notes; Includes bibliographical references and index. Summary; Throughout the 1950s. as the Cuban people laboured under a violently repressive regime. the Mob-financed revelry in Havana never stopped. Tourists from around the world flooded in to gamble. go to the racetrack. see an elaborate floorshow at the Tropicana. hear some of the hottest music around and perhaps partake in the kinky sexual activities that flourished on the fringe of the most colourful and exciting nightlife scene of the twentieth century. It may have seemed like fun and games. but for the Havana Mob it was a deadly serious business. Led by Meyer Lansky and Lucky Luciano - and with the full compliance of President Fulgencio Batista - the Mob set out to create a financial empire that would rival the 'glory days' of Prohibition in the US. For a time. the plan seemed to be succeeding beyond their wildest dreams. but they were sowing the seeds of their own demise. Behind the scenes. Fidel Castro was building opposition to what he portrayed as the debauchery and corruption of capitalism run amok in Havana - the result was revolution. 'The Havana Mob' captures a unique and exotic chapter not only in the history of organised crime but also in the history of the United States. and for the first time the story is told through interviews and the first-hand accounts of those who were actually there. Subjects; Lansky. Meyer 1902-1983. Luciano. Lucky 1897-1962. Gangsters - Cuba - Havana. Mafia - Cuba - Havana - History. Cuba - History - Revolution. 1959. Cuba - History - 1933-1959. Havana (Cuba) - Social conditions - 20th century. Cuba - Foreign relations - United States. True crime; Social & cultural history. Cuba; c 1945 to c 1960. TRUE CRIME / General. Weight in Kg appr.:

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