Young Al Capone

The Untold Story of Scarface in New York, 1899-1925

By: William Balsamo, John Balsamo

Narrated by: Daniel May

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

The first biography of Capone to focus on his youth in Brooklyn and the events that shaped him into one of history’s most notorious criminals.

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.

©2012 William Balsamo and John Balsamo (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Fantastic

This filled so many holes in my research, well done. Wonderful voice over work as well!
Michael Jenkins
7CROWNZ

Bearable and understandable.

I enjoyed the voices and the variety of stories that was packed in. I did not enjoy the jumping from one decade back to another decade. Ok read or should I say listen.

Before he made it big

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I have read quite a variety of books regarding Mob history. I was interested in listening to this one as it specifically stated it would be taking you through the life of Capone, PRIOR to "when he made it big".

The history was entertaining and engaging. The narrator was what made the book for me. He did an excellent job of narrating. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

A great tale of his youth, when Alcatraz bound

What made the experience of listening to Young Al Capone the most enjoyable?

The history of early New York

What did you like best about this story?

It was dramatic but rang true.

What about Daniel May’s performance did you like?

Excellent good tone and a touch of accent

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"And so, on to Alcatraz"

Any additional comments?

I am Australian but have visited Alcatraz many times, my work took me to Chicago so would like to read any novel of his later life in the Windy City

Really good

Shocked to see how close Boardwalk Empire was to this book check it out I highly recommend..

Captivating

Excellent writing. The author allows us to visualize the story and it’s easy to follow. Vastly entertaining.

Accurate

It flows well but you do need to pay attention as it builds on the characters. I went back a few times as I was listening as close as I should have been.

The voices are rather good and the reader gives great inflectiin.

The performance wasn’t good but the story was great

Enjoyed getting all the info. The person reading was not good. It was Alot of stories from his teenage days

Is this fiction or non-fiction?

It is hard to take this book seriously. It seems to present itself as a biography. But, it is written as fiction. I don’t like it. Perhaps it should have been written as a novel?

Great content, but awful narration

The narrator’s attempts at accents are terrible. Moreover, his frequent inhalations of breath detract from the enjoyment of this well written story; the every few seconds noticeable inhaling is extremely distracting. I’d prefer to read this book, rather than continue listening past the fourth chapter.