Rothstein, the Life, Times and Murder of the Criminal Genius who fixed the 1919 World Series

by David Pietrusza; 2003; Carroll & Graf, New York; 485 pages; 364.1092 R847p;6/21-6/28

Arnold Rothstein brought organization to criminal enterprise in New York in the early 20th century. He was insulated from prosecution because so many politicians, cops, judges were corrupt. He also employed people to do the dirty work so that he himself wasn’t smeared with the crime. Everyone knew he was the one behind the crimes but it was difficult to prove. The author brings lots of proof that Rothstein was the real brain behind the fix of the 1919 World Series. Rothstein purported to be a gambler, but he only bet on sure things, usually because he made sure it was a “sure thing”. An interesting account of the early years of the 20th century. RRRr