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

By William Balsamo and John Balsamo

Many people are familiar with the story of Al Capone, the “untouchable” 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 insidious pedagogues, 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 comes 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing
• Release date: Mar 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781626367302

William Balsamo

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.