Al Capone

The name of the Chicago gangster Al Capone (1899–1947) has become synonymous with organised crime in the public eye. However, he was never convicted for any of the murders he was behind, and he ultimately ended up in prison for tax evasion. This volume from the MAGNET series traces Al Capone's career from its beginnings on the streets of New York. Gradually, his special skills were noticed by increasingly influential underworld bosses. His mentor became Johnny Torrio, who reigned over a network of gambling dens, betting shops, bars, and brothels. In 1920, Al Capone followed him to Chicago. Along with other family members, he helped his boss build and expand a criminal empire, until he himself became its ruler in 1925. He was able to deal ruthlessly with competitors and skilfully exploit the corruption prevailing at Chicago's city hall. In the early 1930s, his path crossed with that of the Czech-American Anton Cermak, who became the city's mayor and stood up to Capone's gang with the same determination as the federal investigators. Their patient work brought Capone to trial and behind bars, perhaps to confirm the old saying that "pride comes before a fall".