Asbury presents an illumination of the gangs of old New York that ultimately gave rise to the modern Mafia and its depiction in films like The Godfather. Published to coincide with the release of Martin Scorceses film, Gangs of New York, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Photos & illustrations. n nThe basis of Martin Scorceses acclaimed 2003 film, The Gangs of New York is a dramatic and entertaining glimpse at a citys dark past.n nFocusing on the saloon halls, gambling dens, and winding alleys of the Bowery and the notorious Five Points district, The Gangs of New York dramatically evokes the destitution and shocking violence of a turbulent era, when colorfully named criminals like Dandy John Dolan, Bill the Butcher, and Hell-Cat Maggie lurked in the shadows, and infamous gangs like the Plug Uglies, the Dead Rabbits, and the Bowery Boys ruled the streets. A rogues gallery of prostitutes, pimps, poisoners, pickpockets, murderers, and thieves, Herbert Asburys whirlwind tour through the low life of nineteenth-century New York has become an indispensible classic of urban history.n