 "I
have never before written about someone who differed so sharply from his reputation as Al
Capone,'' concludes Bergreen (As Thousands Cheer: The Life of Irving Berlin, 1990, etc.)
in this shallow life of Public Enemy No. 1. As Bergreen tells it, Capone was scapegoated
for America's failure to abide by Prohibition and was a victim of anti-Italian prejudice.
This is far too reductionist. Bootlegging was just one part of Scarface Al's underworld
empire, which also included gambling,... read more |