Gangs & Gangsters [ASSOCIATION COPY SIGNED TO HIS MOTHER]

(Crime)(Biography) MESSICK, Hank

New York: Ballantine, 1974. Paperback Original (1st). Original wraps. 5 1/4 X 8 Inches. 216 PP. Very Good. Item #9524

Photo illustrated history of Gangs from the Jesse James Gang to Murph the Surf. Stated "First Printing" on the copyright page. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED to his mother directly on the dedication page. Signed, "To Maw - who taught Henry and Paul about cows - and gulls too - Love, Hank." (Note: Paul was Hank's brother) Hank Messick was a relentless American journalist whose career carved through the shadows of organized crime at a time when many reporters looked the other way. Active mainly in the mid-20th century, he became known for painstaking investigative work that exposed the inner workings of the Mafia, most notably in his influential book The Silent Syndicate.

Light damp-staining to bottom gutter and foot of spine. Scattered foxing and evidence of reading. Some rubbing and wear to edges. AN IMPORTANT ASSOCIATION COPY.

Price: $200.00