Get Capone

Get Capone chronicles the rise and fall of Chicago gangster Al Capone through previously unreleased IRS records, court documents, and archive materials. The book reconstructs the federal government's determined efforts to bring down the notorious crime boss in 1920s Chicago. The narrative follows two main threads: Capone's emergence as the city's most powerful mob figure, and Treasury agent Eliot Ness's innovative investigation tactics. Through FBI files and historical records, Eig presents the complex web of politics, law enforcement, and organized crime that defined Prohibition-era Chicago. The author pieces together Capone's personal life and business operations while examining the cultural and social forces that allowed organized crime to flourish. The investigation that finally brought Capone to justice receives thorough exploration through official documents and firsthand accounts. This fresh examination of a defining American crime saga reveals deeper truths about power, corruption, and the limits of law enforcement in a changing society. The book stands as both true crime narrative and social history of a pivotal era in Chicago's development.

Readers appreciate the detailed research and documentation of Capone's life beyond the common gangster mythology. Many note the book reveals lesser-known aspects like his family relationships and health struggles. Several reviewers highlight how the book explains the legal strategy used to finally convict Capone. The main criticism focuses on the dense detail of Chicago politics and law enforcement bureaucracy, which some readers found slowed the narrative. A few reviewers mentioned wanting more information about Capone's criminal operations. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (750+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Shows the human side of Capone without glorifying him" - Amazon reviewer "Too much focus on the tax investigators, not enough on the mob activities" - Goodreads review "Clear explanations of complex financial crimes" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

The Last Boss of Brighton by Douglas Century A deep exploration of New York's Jewish mob history through the story of crime boss Willie Shapiro parallels Capone's rise in Chicago.

Five Families by Selwyn Raab The history of New York's Mafia families traces organized crime's evolution from street gangs to corporate enterprises.

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson This account of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair interweaves the city's transformation during the same era that shaped Capone's criminal empire.

Little Caesar by Michael Lesy The biography of Jewish gangster Samuel "Nails" Morton illuminates Chicago's criminal underworld in the years leading up to Capone's reign.

Public Enemies by Bryan Burrough The chronicle of the FBI's war against Depression-era outlaws demonstrates law enforcement's evolution in response to organized crime.

🔎 Al Capone kept detailed financial records of his criminal empire, which author Jonathan Eig uncovered during his research, including ledgers showing Capone earned about $100 million annually ($1.4 billion in today's money) 📚 The book reveals that during Prohibition, Capone's organization controlled 10,000 speakeasies in Chicago alone and employed more than 600 enforcers ⚖️ The IRS agents who finally brought down Capone developed many of the forensic accounting techniques still used by law enforcement today 🗞️ Author Jonathan Eig gained access to thousands of previously unreleased IRS records and documents from Capone family members while researching the book 🏥 The book details how Capone's untreated syphilis, contracted in his youth, led to his mental deterioration in prison and ultimately contributed to his death at age 48