Tough Jews by Rich Cohen delves into the gritty world of Jewish gangsters in America, exploring the lives of iconic figures who navigated the underbelly of organized crime during the 20th century. Through vivid storytelling and rich historical context, Cohen reveals how these men shaped both their communities and their own destinies. The book uncovers a tapestry of ambition, loyalty, and moral complexity, challenging the stereotypical narratives often associated with Jewish identity. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into a unique cultural legacy intertwined with danger and resilience. Get ready to discover a side of history that is as captivating as it is tumultuous.
By Rich Cohen
Published: 1999
"'In a world that often demands softness and compliance, the toughest among us carve their own path, embodying the relentless spirit of resilience and defiance.'"
In an L.A. delicatessen, a group of Brooklyn natives gets together to discuss basketball, boxing, the weather back east, and the Jewish gangsters of yesteryear. Meyer Lansky. Bugsy Siegel. Louis Lepke, the self-effacing mastermind of Murder, Inc. Red Levine, the Orthodox hit man who refused to kill on the Sabbath. Abe "Kid Twist" Reles, who looked like a mama's boy but once buried a rival alive. These are just some of the vibrant, vicious characters Rich Cohen's father reminisced about and the author evokes so pungently in Tough Jews. Tracing a generation of Jewish gangsters from the candy stores of Brownsville to the clubhouses of the Lower East Side--and, occasionally, to suites at the Waldorf--Cohen creates a densely anecdotal and gruesomely funny history of muscle, moxie, and money. Filled with fixers and schlammers, the squeal of tires and the rattle of gunfire, his book shatters stereotypes as deftly as its subjects once shattered kneecaps.
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“'In a world that often demands softness and compliance, the toughest among us carve their own path, embodying the relentless spirit of resilience and defiance.'”
Tough Jews
By Rich Cohen
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Rich Cohen is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his compelling narrative style and keen observations of American culture and history. He has written several notable works, including 'The Sweet and Lowdown,' 'A History of America in 10 Documents,' and 'The Fish That Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America's Banana King.' Cohen's writing often blends personal anecdotes with broader historical insights, making his work both engaging and informative. His ability to weave together history, humor, and humanity has earned him recognition in both literary and journalistic circles.
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