Quick Take

As a cop Ron Previte was corrupt. As a mobster he was brutal. And in his final role, as a confidential informant to the FBI, Previte was deadly. The Last Gangster is his story -- the story of the last days of the Philadelphia mob, and of the clash of generations that brought it down once and for all. For thirty-five years Ron Previte roamed the underworld. A six foot-tall, 300-pound capo in the Philadelphia-South Jersey crime family, he ran every mob scam and gambit from drug trafficking and prostitution to the extortion of millions from Atlantic City. By the 1990s, Previte, an old-school workhorse, found himself answering to younger mob bosses like "Skinny Joey" Merlina. Spoiled, cocky, and careless, the young, up-and-coming gangsters were hungry for the media's attention and the public's recognition. Gone were the days of loyalty and discretion. Convinced that the honor of the "business" was over, Previte became the FBI's secret weapon in an intense and highly personalized war on the Philadelphia mob. Operating with the same guile, wit, and stone-cold bravado that had made him a force in the underworld, and armed with only a wiretap, Previte recorded it the murder, the mayhem, and the betrayal.In The Last Gangster , George Anastasia -- the critically acclaimed author of Blood and Honor and The Goodfella Tapes -- tells Previte's story for the first time. Unflinching and enthralling, The Last Gangster is the true story of how the once monolithic, highly organized, powerful, and secretive Cosa Nostra was defeated by its own hand.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Last Gangster: From Cop to Wiseguy to FBI Informant: Big Ron Previte and the Fall of the American Mob

Introduction

The Last Gangster: From Cop to Wiseguy to FBI Informant: Big Ron Previte and the Fall of the American Mob is a captivating book that explores the life of Ron Previte, a former corrupt cop turned mobster. Written by George Anastasia, the book delves into Previte's experiences as a member of the Philadelphia-South Jersey crime family and his role as a confidential informant for the FBI. With its gripping narrative and insightful analysis of the criminal underworld, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its unflinching portrayal of the rise and fall of the American Mob.

About George Anastasia

George Anastasia, the author of The Last Gangster, is a well-respected journalist and author with extensive experience covering organized crime. He has written several critically acclaimed books, including Blood and Honor and The Goodfella Tapes. Anastasia's background in investigative journalism has allowed him to provide readers with a comprehensive and engaging account of Previte's story, drawing on his knowledge of the criminal underworld to bring the narrative to life.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Narrative: Readers praise the book for its engaging narrative, which keeps them hooked from start to finish. The visceral descriptions of criminal activity and the vivid imagery used to depict the underworld create an immersive reading experience that draws readers in.
Realism and Authenticity: Many readers appreciate the realism and authenticity of the book. They find it relatable and believe that it provides an accurate portrayal of the criminal world, including the violence, betrayal, and power struggles that define organized crime.
Insight into the Mob: The book offers readers a fascinating look into the inner workings of the American Mob, providing insights into their strategies, tactics, and motivations. Readers appreciate the depth of knowledge and understanding that Anastasia brings to his portrayal of the mobsters and their operations.
Strong Characters: The characters in the book are highly praised by readers. Ron Previte's transformation from a corrupt cop to a ruthless mobster is particularly noteworthy, as readers find him to be a complex and multidimensional character who undergoes significant changes throughout the story.
Well-Researched: Many readers commend Anastasia's thorough research and attention to detail in writing The Last Gangster. They appreciate the depth of knowledge he brings to the subject matter, which enhances their understanding of the historical context and adds credibility to the narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Gripping Storytelling: The Last Gangster is highly recommended for its gripping storytelling. Readers find themselves captivated by Previte's journey from corrupt cop to mobster, and they appreciate the way Anastasia weaves together various threads of his life to create a compelling narrative.
Authentic Insights: The book provides readers with authentic insights into organized crime, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the strategies, tactics, and motivations of mobsters. This authenticity makes it a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the dynamics of criminal organizations.
Engaging Characters: The strong characters in The Last Gangster make it a highly recommended read. Ron Previte's transformation from a corrupt cop to a ruthless mobster is particularly noteworthy, as readers find his journey to be both compelling and thought-provoking.
Well-Researched Content: The book's thorough research and attention to detail make it a reliable source of information on the American Mob. Readers appreciate Anastasia's deep understanding of the subject matter, which adds credibility to his portrayal of organized crime.
Cinematic Experience: The Last Gangster offers readers a cinematic experience that keeps them on the edge of their seats. With its vivid descriptions, immersive imagery, and gripping plot twists, this book is highly recommended for those who enjoy thrilling crime stories that keep them entertained from start to finish.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Organization Issues: Some readers find that The Last Gangster suffers from organization issues, with frequent flashbacks and disruptions to the flow of the narrative. This can make it challenging for readers to follow at times, particularly when dealing with multiple characters and complex plotlines.
Editorializing: A few readers feel that Anastasia editorializes about the current mob being losers, which detracts from the overall authenticity of the book. They argue that this viewpoint undermines the portrayal of organized crime as a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, rather than simply portraying it as a collection of losers or thugs.

Conclusion

The Last Gangster: From Cop to Wiseguy to FBI Informant: Big Ron Previte and the Fall of the American Mob is a highly recommended book for those interested in organized crime and the American Mob. With its gripping narrative, authentic insights, engaging characters, well-researched content, and cinematic experience, this book has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its unflinching portrayal of the rise and fall of the American Mob. While some readers find organization issues and editorializing detract from their enjoyment of the book, overall, The Last Gangster is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive exploration of organized crime in America.