A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno

Joseph Bonanno

St. Martin's Press, Jan 20, 2003 - Biography & Autobiography - 416 pages

"Friendships, connections, family ties, trust, loyalty, obedience-this was the 'glue' that held us together."

These were the principles that the greatest Mafia "Boss if Bosses," Joseph Bonnano, lived by. Born in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Bonnano found his future amid the whiskey-running, riotous streets of Prohibition America in 1924, when he illegally entered the United States to pursue his dreams. By the age of only twenty-six, Bonnano became a Don. He would eventually take over the New York underworld, igniting the "Castellammarese War," one of the bloodiest Family battles ever to hit New York City...

Now, in this candid and stunning memoir, Joe Bonanno-likely a model for Don Corleone in the blockbuster movie The Godfather-takes readers inside the world of the real Mafia. He reveals the inner workings of New York's Five Families-Bonanno, Gambino, Profaci, Lucchese, and Genovese-and uncovers how the Mafia not only dominated local businesses, but also influenced national politics. A fascinating glimpse into the world of crime, A Man of Honor is an unforgettable account of one of the most powerful crime figures in America's history.

What people are saying

Review: A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno

User Review  - Anna Graham - Goodreads

I knew nothing about Joe Bonanno upon starting this book. At the end, I knew of a man dedicated to The Tradition from his Sicilian homeland, and his correct judgment that Americans are too concerned ...

Review: A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno

User Review  - Larry - Goodreads

Interesting exercise in self deception and revisionist history. I'm sure he wasn't the innocent victim he portrays himself to be. Who among us just happens to have a loaded shotgun handy in the event of an intruder?

About the author

Born in Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily, Joseph Bonnano (1905-2002) found his future amid the whiskey-running, riotous streets of Prohibition America in 1924, when he illegally entered the United States to pursue his dreams. By the age of only twenty-six, Bonnano became a Don. He would eventually take over the New York underworld, igniting the "Castellammarese War," one of the bloodiest Family battles ever to hit New York City.

Bibliographic information

• Title: A Man of Honor: The Autobiography of Joseph Bonanno
• Author: Joseph Bonanno
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press, 2003
• ISBN: 0312979231, 9780312979232
• Length: 416 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Criminals & Outlaws; Biography & Autobiography / General; True Crime / Organized Crime