The Gangs Of New York Herbert Asbury

The Gangs Of New York Herbert Asbury found on the net in the public domain in 2025 " The Gangs of New York: An Informal History of the Underworld is an American non-fiction book by Herbert Asbury , first published in 1928 by Alfred A. Knopf . It was the basis for Martin Scorsese 's 2002 film Gangs of New York . Asbury published an article, "The Old-Time Gangs of New York", in The American Mercury in 1927, which was incorporated into the book published the following year The book details the rise and fall of 19th century gangs in New York City , prior to the domination of the Italian-American Mafia during Prohibition in the 1920s. Focusing on the saloon halls, gambling dens, and winding alleys of the Bowery and the Five Points district of Lower Manhattan , the book evokes the destitution and violence of a turbulent era, when colorfully named criminals like "Dandy" Johnny Dolan , William Poole (also known as Bill the Butcher), and Hell-Cat Maggie lurked in the shadows, and infamous gangs including the Plug Uglies , Dead Rabbits , and Bowery Boys ruled the streets. It includes a rogues' gallery of prostitutes , pimps , poisoners, pickpockets , murderers, and thieves. The book contains detailed accounts of the New York City draft riots in 1863. It also elaborates on numerous other criminal influences of the time, including river pirates and the corrupt political establishment such as Tammany Hall . Herbert Asbury (September 1, 1891 – February 24, 1963) was an American journalist and writer best known for his books detailing crime during the 19th and early-20th centuries, such as Gem of the Prairie: An Informal History of the Chicago Underworld , The Barbary Coast: An Informal History of the San Francisco Underworld , Sucker's Progress: An Informal History of Gambling in America and The Gangs of New York . The Gangs of New York was later adapted for film as Martin Scorsese 's Gangs of New York (2002). However, the film adaptation of Gangs of New York was so loose that Gangs was nominated for "Best Original Screenplay" rather than as a screenplay adapted from another work