New Basciano book

The book [b]"Vinny Gorgeous: The Ugly Rise and Fall of A New York Mobster" (Lyons Press), By Anthony M. DeStefano is now available in big bookstores likes Barnes And Noble. The stores in Manhattan have it, particularly at 5th Avenue and 46th Street. Official publication date is July 2nd. The book deals alot with Basciano and Massino, Basciano's early gambling days, the victory in the Blue Thunder heroin case and his quick rise--and fall-- from power at the end. A few never before seen photos.

I jus finished it...I thought it was good...not amazing but def a good read

Jesus Christ, he didnt go away all that long ago and he's had 2 books written about him.

Two books? What was the other?

If he's talking about Massino, make it three.

Just picked it up.

I want it

any other reviews of it before I buy it..??

Publishers Weekly website gave it a good review
see: http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7627-8541-4

Two books for this clown ??? They have books for all these nobody's ...The sign of a great boss and the people he has around him has to be someone like Chin Gigante...He's the most colorful and sharp mob boss, not Gotti, and yet there hasn't been more then a chapter in a book written about him..There's not one book that i'm aware of on him...That shows how secretive he was, and how smartly he chose those closest to him..Even in death they aren't talking about him !!

Calling Basciano a clown is beyond stupid. From what I can tell he was always a rising star amongst the Bonnano's, even when they were powerful, not as smart as some of the older bosses but he was a good businessman and a tough guy.

Not his fault his boss was a rat.

I think Gigante's own lesbian daughter wrote a book about him.

As mentioned, the fact that no books have been written about him has more to do with the difference between the Genovese family and other families. There also aren't any books about any other big Genovese players.

I read parts(Pizzolo murder, Nunez murder) of this book during a quick lunch visit to B&N. Seems pretty solid, theres a few pics I have never seen before. One of Vinny, his wife, and one of his kids at their first communion, also vinny's mugshot when he was arrested for the blue thunder heroin case with Patty D.

Should be in mailbox when I get home from work tomorrow

Stupid ??? At least you admit he wasn't smart...And the fact that he tried to kill a federal prosecutor testifies to that..Yeah, maybe he was tough but so are many other guys in mob history, what good is that without brains ?? He became acting boss out of default because everybody of significance got locked up or flipped..He's certainly not worthy of two books !!

His daughter's book is more on their personal family relationship, not his mob family...For the record there were books written about lucky luciano, joe valachi and frank costello...But yes we agree there isn't a book on Gigante because of how secretive he was

Who are you to say he isn't worthy of two books, who gives a shit anyway. If you don't like it then don't read it.

I didn't say he's not smart, I said he's not as smart as past bosses like Gigante or Gambino, don't twist my words.

Some HUGE OC figures seen Basciano as a rising star and a capable guy when he was in his 20s. I find Basciano quite an interesting guy, most people moan when there's no books on certain mobsters, people like to know a little more about the, now your moaning because more books are being wrote, baffling.

I have to go with the garment boss on this one

I'm excited to read it. DeStefano previous books have been disappointing for me. King of Godfathers and The Last Godfather were so so....Sewlyn Raab's Five Families covers the Bonanno Family saga better then DeStefano. I'm not too picky a reader, but I have low standards going into reading this one.

For some interesting reading on Basciano from firsthand interactions read "Nice Jewish Felon" by Michael Mehler. A quick read, about 90 pages and 10 of which are about Mehler and Basciano. How they met, became friends, went to Vegas, partied with prostitutes in New York. Mehler also talks about eating with Basciano and Bruno Indelicato at Rao's and Manhattan Grille....It's a book about redemption and New York but has a little OC twists in the story.

Okay, first off, in your first reply to me i ignored your comment about my post being stupid, and chose not to name call or any other of that other stupid stuff..Who gives a s**t ?? Well apparently for some reason you do very much..I guess only your opinion is worthy here right ?? Everybody else is just moaning...Grow up !!! For your information, the Genovese family complained that they had to sit down with him because they also felt he was a joke..A little advice junior, don't be such a mob groupie and quick to argue over somebody who wouldn't give you the time of day !!

Just out of curiosity, does this post you made fall under the definition of moaning ???

Your assuming that I was moaning in that post, when in reality I was just stating how quick it was to have two books written about him so soon.

No problem my friend, lets move on !!

Fine by me pal.

Just a quick question, your claiming the Genovese family had a sit down with him to tell him that he's a joke?

No, i tried to find it last night but was unsuccessful..Like with junior gotti, i read where the genovese family leadership complained about having to sit down with basciano as a leader..They didn't think highly of him!!

If you think Basciano was a clown then I would Iike to know more clowns like him. If you think he is stupid and not worthy of a book then don't read it. If the other families think he was a joke and didn't think highly of him well maybe they were just intimidated by him. Basciano was a force on the streets. He did bad but the good he did should also be recognized. He was a smart business man above all. I think its about time a book came out on him. This is my opinion. Whatever your views or opinions may be are you right. I am sure many people will enjoy reading the rise and fall of him. I have read it and think it was well written and was very interesting. Some may like some may not but everyone is entitled to there own opinions and views. You don't have to be a hater right from the start.

Of course they're not going to like him, they're all like 80 years old. They're low key and Vinny was quite the opposite. I'd imagine they thought he was too young to be boss at that point.

Wow, i didn't realize you had such strong feelings for the guy !!

Can you enlighten me and tell me what the good things are that he did that i should be grateful to him for ??

I would tend to agree that those were contributing factors !!

You shouldn't feel you have to be grateful to him for any of the good things that he may have done that you would like to know about... for none of them concern you. He did many good things for many people that I personally know who are very much grateful to him and are thankful for how he helped them.You can make yourself look smarter or wiser when you make comments about something of substance. You are a nobody coming from left field and you have no clue of what this guy is all about he is far from being a clown. You don't have to cast stones. In regard to your comment of me having strong feelings for him.... again its none of your concern.

So first you say he should be recognized for all the good deeds he's done, and now you're saying its no concern of mine what good deeds he did ?? lol...How can i recognize those good deeds if you refuse to give a few examples ?? I'll take that to mean you can't name any !!!

I'm a nobody ??? Maybe so young fella, but one thing i'll never be is some mob groupie seemingly infatuated with another man, who's gonna go on message boards and fight for his honor.

My guess is he gave you one or two freebies at his salon back in the day and you're forever grateful !!!

Happy now ?? You wanna call me a nobody and post this way ???

Well to use your phrase, if you want to make yourself look smarter or wiser, you should actually try and change my opinion of him and give a few examples of the good things he did.. instead you refused and instead chose to call me a nobody..And you're lecturing me about posting something of substance ??

Ill give you a lot of great deeds he has done.
1.He has paid for over a dozen funerals out of his pocket for families who lost babies, children, son , daughter who did not have the money to pay for expenses. These were not family members just people he knew of.
2. At Christmas he would get a list from men in prison or from people in the neighborhood who could not afford to buy christmas gifts for their children. He would send his wife out and they would spend thousands for parents to give there children something to open on Christmas day. I am talking computers, bikes, nientendo units, not minor stuff. This was every Christmas for years. He didn't refuse anyone.
3. He paid for mortgages on houses so a widows would not lose their homes.
4.He paid for rents so families wouldn't be out in the street.
5. He bought a car for a girl one time because she had been in an accident with it .
6. He paid con edison bills
7. He paid doctors bills for people who needed operations or just medical expenses and had no insurance.
8. He paid for a therapy for years for a young boy who wanted to kill himself because the mother cried to him for help she didn't know what to do. The boy is a model today all over magazines.
You can check that story out because she testified at his trial and that is what she said.
9.He created jobs for people that he didn't really need to work for him just so they could bring home a salery and support their famiies.

So let me ask does that answer your question? I have one for you what did you ever do for anybody I am sure nothing.

I am not a groupie as you state. I am not a young fellow also I am a woman. I do not follow this site nor do I respond to anything unless it concerns the Basciano Family.
I did patronize his salon back in the days and I paid for my services so I didn't need freebies from him but if I did he would glady have given them to me.
I would imagine I posted great substance here for a man that deserves to be noted for the good he did not just the bad.
I have know him for over 30 years and that is how long he is taking care of people. I am sure Pizzaboy will agree being he comes from the same neighborhood.
So have I answered you questions to the good deeds he has done?
There is no need to throw you weight around you will never win on the Basciano subject with me. What you really need to do is read the message from the Moderator it pertains to you. Don't question people that happen to know much more then you about a subject. You make yourself look like a fool

yankees127 good post and i appreciate the knowledge you bring to this forum about this subject

respect

Thanks !!

Its a great book. I am in the middle of it. I highly recommend it to anybody who doesn't have it.

Listen tootsa, you're the one that came in to the thread talking shet...I don't start trouble with anybody here so don't even mention the moderator..I asked you a simple question...To enlighten me about the good deeds...and instead you went off , so i gave it back to you...No, your post didn't help ...he paid con ed bills and took care of people that were in prison etc.. and gave someone a car that he stole ?? .That's what all mob guys do so people don't rat them out..He paid for funerals ?? What a sport, how many of them was he responsible for ?? And you're calling me a fool ?? You're the groupie that's fawning all over this cheat, convicted murderer , adulterer and list goes on and on, and you're calling me a fool ?? That's Rich !! lol

Have to say Im on DiLorenzo's side here.

The guy personally blew away god knows how many. Ordered several hits. Participated in many more.

Paying for a funeral, buying a widow a microwave, whatever, doesnt even out the score.

It reminds me of where I come from. In Australia every year the bikies (usually Hells Angel lead, but Bandidos, Mongols etc) do a 'Christmas run' where they all buy furry toys and do a parade to donate to local childrens hospitals.
Does that give them carte blanche to run meth and extort every strip club with a sawn off?
And that just on Sundays.

My eyes, not so much.

Well. With all due respect to you sonny, the m1 he went down on was for a junkie fuck who threatened to kidnap and kill his kid. Not saying it was the right thing to do, but if someone threatens your family, I mean, I got a young son at home. Not saying I would do it, im just saying the guy shoulda known better than to threaten the son of a made guy.
Furthermore, as far as the killing people. I mean, these guys are soldiers. They follow codes, when you get in the life you assume the risk. Im not a guy who roots for these guys, but I also dont get my panties in a knot and talk about how evil these guys are when in reality, there are alot worse people in the world. I realize that things arent black and white.
Respect.

No worries mate, I hear what you're saying.

Most of these guys arent Jeffrey Dahlmers or Kiddy fingerers.

They're following orders and executing business. And I do recognize the diff.

But I think you and I are going to differ fundamentally. Amen soldiers who clip a guy who most likely got themselves into shit (gambling/shy debt, disrespect, failure to follow protocol etc etc)the guy 'brought this upon himself', 'as he knew the rules' etc etc. But. This dont make it right, and 'soldier' or not these guys are still lowlifes, because breaking a leg or two in the head, isnt right, period. Thats what our laws say, and they're there for a reason.

Vinny G clipping a guy over his son? Sure. We're on the same page. But that aint all he's done. He's broken legs, extorted, done some pretty horrible stuff. Thats part n parcel of the game.
But that doesnt justify it.

Clip a guy for threatening your kid? Sure. But thats not all there is to Vinny G, to any of these guys.

And a widows rent every now n again, doesnt bring her kid back.

I'd take the opinion of someone from his neighborhood over a guy in Europe and Australia. Just sayin

Respect

You foreigners are gonna run off all the neighborhood ppl that post. Skinny and PB have already cut down on their posting

So it's just foreigners that disagree with 'neighbourhood' guys? That's bullshit. I've seen more Americans argue with them.

Yeah that live in Iowa, might as well be foreigners to me. Don't get your panties in a bunch mr gambino. It's America's birthday.

Respect to you garment king

Dilorenzo you are just pathetic !!!!! How sad you are !!! I shouldn't waste my time justifying your idiotic outbursts !!! If you read back you were the one that started shit saying his a clown not worthy of a book not me. Yea you asked for his good deeds and I gave them to you, so whats up with that. When your foot was up your ass your talking different shit now and making them ugly. I gave you the good deeds like it or not thats them. Your just a hater without a life !!! Normal people can get there point across without anger obviously you are not normal !!!Yea I'm calling you a fool because thats how you present your arguments just like one. Give your computer a kiss thats where your strength comes from behind it. I wonder what you would do if your kid was threatened to be kidnapped big shot?Your presenting yourself as such a tough guy so what would you do run to the cops ha? Yea that would save a kid waiting for the cops to help. Any man out there would do what Basciano did to save his child. Like or not bottom line.
To Sonny and the widows mortgages he paid for were not because of his actions!Get that straight !!!

Yankees, I enjoy your posts. Just wondering though...do you have some inside info on Nicky Santora?

yankees127, others have already said that, but the child kidnapper's killing wasn't the only crime and not the only murder Basciano was responsible for. I personally wouldn't have taken the dirty money of the mafia even if he ever wanted to give me some.

Thanks Knuckles....I know him and anything I do know I will definitely not post sorry

That´s fair enough.

Dwalin that is your choice... although with many people facing hard times and your family will be in the street or your kids need to eat its not gonna matter where the money comes from to take care of them. My kids and family would come first. No it wasn't the only crime he committed but his crimes stay in his circle he never hurt an innocent person just the opposite he protected them . I can get into another whole subject about the people he protected but the haters on here will just turn it around and make it ugly.

By the way, is the book available for download as an ebook anywhere? On amazon it's in paperback only, and they usually take a long time to arrive.

I lived for many years on the literal same block as Vinny and his familly,say what you want about how he made his living,which involved drugs among other unsavory things, or how he rose to the top of that family, But hes the guy that put the Bronx crew on the map and its still the administration today, he was a legendary character the likes of which haven't been seen since Chin or Gotti, He was noted both for his loyalty an charity but also for extreme trechary, He's absolutely gangster to the core, and he's proven to be one tough son of a bitch, like Cheech said much respect to all of you

It is available at Barnes & Noble bookstores for sure. I heard it has been selling so you might want to check before making a trip.

To clarify the foreigner thing was said in jest. I have no beef with anyone. My main point is simple. We are all here because we have some sort of interest in organized crime. Ask yourself this. Would you rather read about Basciano on Wikipedia or from yankees127 who knows first hand. All I'm saying. You don't have to agree with her or anyone else but be respectful

Peace tonyboy. Hope all is well with you and happy 4th

Respect

You're right sonny..And like you mentioned, its not just italians who do this, but all big criminals of all backgrounds do it because it serves them more in the long run...Look how this girl is fighting tooth and nail for him...That's what they want...naive people who think they're helping them..He bought a widow a microwave ?? lol..If he even bought it i would be surprised, but come on, its like those who felt indebted to mob guys who gave them a turkey t christmas time...Good business if you can buy someone's loyalty over a microwave or a turkey !!

My outburts ??? lol...That's funny !! I made a comment in the thread before you even posted in it..it wasn't directed at anybody, and then you came in guns blasting...I'm allowed my opinion tootsa just like you are...And I still haven't resorted to name calling like you have..I don't have a life ?? Well at least i don't claim go on blogs just seeking out basciano threads to comment on like you said you do...that's pretty sad !! Listen tootsa, i'm not 15, i don't wanna keep going with this...you had your say now let it go...Just a little friendly advice first..Next time, you would probably do yourself a great service by acting more lady like and just responding to my post with those ''good deeds'' and then let us check them out instead of the tough girl act !!!

Tootsa wtf is that

I know our other friend is from australia but I'm from jersey..Would i rather read about basciano from wikipedia or 127 ?? Well I know wikipedia doesn't have a biased opinion, so i'd rather read wikipedia...As far as respect goes, does that go both ways or are you just trying to get on the good side of a female poster ?? Because neither our australian friend or I disrespected her..and she was the only one name calling and trying to get personal..not sure what you reading !!

Girl

DiLorenzo and yankees127 - take your disagreement off the boards.

Thought you would have come in earlier when i was being called names but you didn't...Welcome to the thread !!

It's virtually impossible to read every post in every thread. Sometimes the only way I know there is "trouble" in a particular thread is if someone "Notifies" a moderator (as was done in this case).

I'm just trying to nip this in the bud before it explodes.

No problem my friend..I know you're only doing what you're supposed too !!

all good, agree to disagree

enjoy your day

Yes exactly welcome to the thread you should have spoken over 6 posts ago when I told him to read your message to the boards. Its obvious he has issues. He just doesn't see the person he is , and to me he is one of those people that never does anything it always the other person. Your not 15 but you sure act it. And you certainly are no gentleman !!!
To any posters that are interested.
I have been only on this Board when it concerns Basciano. Only because I know him for the past 30 years. I am very close to him and his wife. I come here to post the truth !!!!!!!
I have seen new posters come on this board and ask a simple question because they are interested in knowing about a person they would like to know more about. Right away they are hammered by these bashers because to them they will think you asked a stupid question but its not to the person asking. These new posters are innocent to certain subjects so give them a chance. I think you should just kindly respond to the person and answer the question with respect. And don't bash me for saying that because I have seen it many times happen on here.
We all know what this site is about thats why its a Mafia forum . Yes these men are noted for being killers and whatever else you feel. WE KNOW THAT! You don't have to keep bringing it up after a poster is explaining something else about them. If you bring in something of substance on the person right away "Oh he is a murderer , its blood money ... we know that !!It still doesn't take away the good they may have done.
So if posters are interested in knowing something more then who they wacked and someone can honestly answer the question with truth you don't need to come on and bash the person that is answering the question. I look for the good in people, so if I see good and truth in what I say about Basciano give me the chance to express my feelings and maybe answer someone who wanted to know more about him. Don't jump down my throat right away. Also there is no need to make a statement about getting on the good side of the female poster. Female or male what is the difference if the person knows what they are talking about? That was another unnecessary statement. Maybe the person that may happen to agree with me appreciates my answers. That is his choice . Also some people may be more interested in finding the facts out first hand from a person that knows instead of mostly false information in books. Again their choice. From what I have learned about this site is that most of you just want to see the evil in people so if the subject is good it disturbs you. Well too bad ! There is good in people no matter what they do or are noted for. I don't think I am smarter or wiser then any of you on here , many of you know much more then I do but all I am stating that if its about Basciano I think I may know a little more then most of you on certain subjects. I only acknowledge something if I know it is not the truth and I would like to correct it. No more no less. If your site is only going to be one sided then I shouldn't really waste my time or information its fine by me.

yankees127 -

Your purpose here is all well and good except if you're going to take on a member with whom you disagree and make personal statements against. You have the right to defend your position and beliefs but doing so with flaming remarks is not allowed.

This will be my last post
I respect you and what you are saying. That is all good !
In fairness to me "What flaming remarks did I make to him?"
If you go and review my post and his you won't see anything out of the way I said to him that he didn't say to me. If he wants to be a cry baby about me saying he is pathetic well it seems he can dish it out but he can't take it then too bad. I can say the same about him that he is saying about me. I am not a tootsa and I certainly didn't start shit here as he claimed. It seems to me when someone is getting the best of him he doesn't like it.I feel I did nothing out of the way here and I certainly didn't make flaming remarks. It is apparent also that when you do defend your position its not welcome.... so be it.

Originally Posted By: yankees127

Dilorenzo you are just pathetic !!!!! How sad you are !!! I shouldn't waste my time justifying your idiotic outbursts !!! ..... Your just a hater without a life !!! Normal people can get there point across without anger obviously you are not normal !!!Yea I'm calling you a fool because thats how you present your arguments just like one.

I'd say the quoted items in italics count as flaming remarks.

I don't care who started it. It ends now. Hopefully by your choice, but it will be my choice if necessary.

I don't find them as flaming remarks not in the least

Also it won't be your choice at anytime.. IT WILL BE MY CHOICE TO END IT NOW AND i AM DOING SO !!!

I have no use for this site anymore

Buh bye!!

nothing more fucking pathetic than people announcing they are leaving an anonymous message board, except for when they come back!

I've posted about the duality of Vinny's nature several times in the past, both here and on the other boards. To be honest, a lot of mob guys have that very same dual nature. No one is all good or all bad. I'm sure that even Hitler smiled at a cute baby every now and then.

I lived in close proximity to Vinny and his family for many years. Many people here know that, a couple of you have even been to my home. The Bascianos lived on Revere and Schurz for many years. We live on the water as well. And yes, Vinny is a very charming and likeable guy, especially for a guy so deeply enmeshed in that life. And it's true that he always had a soft spot for the people in this neighborhood (which I always found a bit weird because he grew up in Yonkers, but that's neither here nor there).

But that certainly doesn't excuse him from his crimes. No one is saying that. You kill people, you go to jail, no matter what your reason was. So yes, he belongs in prison, but he doesn't belong in the terrorist wing with the Taliban. He ain't Osama bin Laden, and he ain't all bad.

As far as him hurting "innocent" people, that's not for me to say. I'm sure some would disagree. But if you're dumb enough top get wrapped up in that life, and you fuck up, then it's on you.

I haven't picked up the book yet. I'll probably be over in Co-Op City tomorrow to do some shopping, so I'll probably stop by the Barnes and Noble to pick it up. I'll post a review when I'm finished reading it.

I completly agree with everything your saying 100 percent i just thought i should point out that isnt the only reason he is in that wing is because he was plotting to kill the da right? Which is against the one rule the american mob actualy follows that you dont kill law enforcement, so in my opinion he brought that on himself.

Absolutely. The supposed hit on the DA is what sealed his fate, and if it's true he has no one to blame but himself.

He's never getting out of prison. His appeals are a pipe dream. But for his family's sake, I hope he gets out of SuperMax some day.

Yes for his family i agree.

I picked up a copy at the store up there as well. Was only 1 copy on shelves when I went.

You too my friend !!!

I hope i didn't contribute to this girl having a nervous breakdown...I'm sorry if i offended you yankees27...come back to the site and keep posting

just finished the book and what I took from it most is the Bonanno family is a mess...if you ever wanted to be a wiseguy, read this book and its a great deterrent

"If you ever wanted to be a wiseguy?" What are you implying ?

I think all hes saying is its just a good example of all the shit that can happen to you if u live that kinda life.

Hi
Sorry new here. I see what he mean, but how would he know "the life" has he lived it?

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