Ovid Demaris

Ovid Demaris (1919-1998) was an American journalist and author known for his investigative works on organized crime and corruption in American society. His career spanned several decades during which he produced numerous non-fiction books exposing criminal enterprises and the darker aspects of American cities. Notable works by Demaris include "The Last Mafioso" (1981), a biography of Jimmy Fratianno, and "Captive City" (1969), an exposé of Chicago's political corruption and criminal underworld. His 1970 book "America the Violent" examined the roots of violence in American culture and became one of his most widely discussed works. Demaris brought journalistic rigor to his crime writing, conducting extensive research and interviews to document organized crime activities across major U.S. cities. His work on Las Vegas resulted in "The Green Felt Jungle" (1963), a bestselling investigation into the mob's involvement in Nevada gambling operations. The author's contributions to crime literature and investigative journalism earned him recognition as an authority on organized crime in America. His detailed accounts of criminal enterprises and their connections to legitimate business and politics helped shape public understanding of organized crime's influence in mid-20th century America.

Readers appreciate Demaris's detailed research and direct writing style in exposing organized crime. His books contain extensive first-hand accounts and interviews that provide insider perspectives on mob operations. What readers liked: - Thorough documentation and specific details about criminal enterprises - Clear, straightforward prose without sensationalism - Historical context and connections to politics/business - Raw interviews with crime figures What readers disliked: - Dense with names, dates, and complex relationships - Some dated references and cultural context - Occasional dry, textbook-like passages - Limited narrative flow in certain works Goodreads ratings average 3.8/5 stars across his books: - The Last Mafioso: 4.0/5 (216 ratings) - Captive City: 3.7/5 (89 ratings) - The Green Felt Jungle: 3.8/5 (156 ratings) Amazon reviews highlight the books as "meticulously researched" though "sometimes overwhelming in detail." Multiple readers note the books work better as reference material than entertainment.

The Green Felt Jungle (1963) An investigative examination of organized crime's control over Las Vegas gambling operations and the city's transformation into a mob-influenced entertainment capital.

The Last Mafioso (1981) A detailed biography of Jimmy Fratianno, focusing on his rise in organized crime and subsequent role as a government witness against the Los Angeles crime family.

Captive City (1969) A thorough investigation into Chicago's political corruption and criminal underworld, documenting the interconnections between civic institutions and organized crime.

America the Violent (1970) An analysis of violence in American society, examining historical patterns and cultural factors contributing to violent behavior in the United States.

The Overlord (1961) A documented account of Meyer Lansky's criminal empire and his influence over organized crime operations in America and abroad.

Poso del Mundo (1959) An examination of vice and corruption in the Texas-Mexico border region, focusing on illegal activities and law enforcement challenges.

Nicholas Pileggi wrote extensively about organized crime through deep research and direct contact with mobsters, producing detailed accounts like "Wiseguy" and "Casino." His work shares Demaris's focus on exposing the inner workings of criminal enterprises through investigative journalism.

Gay Talese documented organized crime and American society through intensive reporting and interviews, particularly in works like "Honor Thy Father." His narrative style and commitment to detailed research parallel Demaris's approach to investigating criminal networks.

Pete Earley investigates crime and corruption in American institutions through direct research and insider accounts. His books about prison systems and criminal justice share Demaris's focus on exposing institutional corruption.

Donald Goddard wrote about organized crime and corruption in America through detailed investigation and firsthand accounts. His work examining criminal enterprises and their connection to legitimate business mirrors Demaris's investigative methods.

Dan E. Moldea focuses on organized crime's influence in American business and politics through investigative journalism. His research into mob connections with unions and industries continues Demaris's tradition of exposing criminal infiltration of legitimate institutions.