Excellent Cadavers

Excellent Cadavers chronicles the war against the Sicilian Mafia through the lens of prosecutor Giovanni Falcone's historic campaign in the 1980s and early 1990s. The book details the complex investigation and prosecution of Cosa Nostra's criminal empire, drawing from court documents, interviews, and firsthand accounts. The narrative follows two parallel tracks: Falcone's methodical pursuit of justice through the Italian legal system, and the inner workings of the Mafia organization he sought to dismantle. Alexander Stille reconstructs the events and personalities surrounding the Maxi Trial - the largest anti-Mafia prosecution in history. The term "excellent cadavers" refers to high-profile Mafia assassinations of government officials, judges, and law enforcement - murders that marked turning points in Sicily's struggle against organized crime. The book examines the social and political conditions that allowed the Mafia to flourish, including its deep connections within Italian society. Beyond its investigation of organized crime, the book explores universal themes of courage, corruption, and the price of pursuing justice in a system compromised by violence and intimidation. The account serves as both a crime narrative and a study of modern Italy's relationship with the Mafia.

Readers describe this as a detailed account of the Sicilian Mafia prosecutions that reads like a thriller while maintaining journalistic accuracy. Many note it provides clear explanations of complex legal and political systems. Readers appreciated: - Clear breakdown of family relationships and power structures - Historical context spanning multiple decades - Balance of personal stories with broader political implications - Photographs that help track key figures Common criticisms: - Dense with Italian names and terms that can be hard to follow - Some found the legal procedure details tedious - A few readers wanted more background on earlier Mafia history Ratings: Goodreads: 4.25/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (150+ ratings) "It's like a real-life Godfather but more compelling" - Goodreads reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in minutiae but worth pushing through" - Amazon reviewer "Best book on the topic for English speakers" - LibraryThing review

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🔍 The term "cadaveri eccellenti" originated in a 1976 Italian film directed by Francesco Rosi, which explored political assassinations in Sicily. 📚 Giovanni Falcone developed the "follow the money" investigative strategy that revolutionized how law enforcement tracks organized crime globally. ⚖️ The Maxi Trial (1986-1987) featured in the book was the largest criminal trial in world history, with 475 defendants tried simultaneously in a specially constructed bunker-courthouse. 🏛️ Author Alexander Stille comes from a family of prominent journalists - his father, Ugo Stille, was a renowned Italian-American journalist who served as editor of Italy's Corriere della Sera. 🗓️ Within two months of the book's initial publication in 1995, the Italian government created the National Anti-Mafia Directorate, implementing many of Falcone's proposed reforms.