Books Like...
'The Barbary Coast: An Informal History of the San Francisco Underworld' by Herbert Asbury delves into the early days of San Francisco, born out of the Gold Rush period, where a dangerous and violent city emerged. Asbury's narrative style effectively captures the essence of the city's underworld, filled with gangs, riots, vigilantes, conmen, and corruption. provides a detailed account of the criminal elements that thrived in San Francisco until the destructive earthquake and fire, offering a glimpse into the city's notorious past.
If you liked The Barbary Coast: An Informal History of the San Francisco Underworld, here are the top 2 books to read next:
'The French Quarter: An Informal History of the New Orleans Underworld' by Herbert Asbury is a detailed and well-documented account of the seedy history of New Orleans, focusing on the French Quarter. The author, known for his specialization in this type of history, covers the city's notorious reputation, including themes of crime, voodoo, prostitution, and corruption, spanning from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. is praised for its intricate details, humorous yet serious writing style, and its ability to vividly portray the scandalous past of New Orleans.
1936•504 pages- #2
Save:A raucous, fascinating romp through NYC’s early criminal underbelly - entertaining but best enjoyed with a pinch of skepticism and a willingness to wade through historical chaos.
'The Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury delves into the dark and violent underworld of New York City during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Through a collection of true stories, the author narrates the rise of various gangs and criminals, shedding light on the brutal and dangerous environment that characterized the city at that time. Asbury's writing style, although not scholarly, presents a vivid and detailed account of the gangs that prowled the streets of New York, showcasing the power struggles, criminal activities, and the relationships between gangsters, politicians, unions, and businesses.
provides a historical perspective on the underbelly of New York City, offering insights into the lives of notorious gang leaders, the diverse criminal landscape of the city, and the intertwining of crime and politics. Asbury's narrative captures the essence of a time marked by gang warfare, corruption, and the seedy underbelly of society, painting a vivid picture of a city shaped by dark and brutal beginnings.
Fish abounded in the waters of the Collect, and as the Indians were dispossessed from their hunting grounds and driven northward to the main land, the pond became such a favorite resort of fishermen t...1927•391 pages
