The Mafia began on a small island in the Mediterranean, Sicily. It grew to become a major political force in Italy, and soon its tentacles penetrated life in the United States. Through drugs, it spread its influence across Britain, Canada and Australia. And through the gangster movies of Hollywood, it now permeates popular culture.

The Mafia is full of blood-chilling characters, from Al Capone, who ran Chicago...

The Mafia began on a small island in the Mediterranean, Sicily. It grew to become a major political force in Italy, and soon its tentacles penetrated life in the United States. Through drugs, it spread its influence across Britain, Canada and Australia. And through the gangster movies of Hollywood, it now permeates popular culture.

The Mafia is full of blood-chilling characters, from Al Capone, who ran Chicago during Prohibition, and hitmen Louis Lepke and Alberto Anastasia who founded Murder, Inc, to Totò Riina, 'boss of bosses', John Gotti, 'the Teflon don', and Bernardo 'The Tractor' Provenzano, who hid out under cover for 43 years...

They were extraordinary men who lived through extraordinary times. The Mafia tells the story of their lives, their families, their codes, their crimes and their cold-blooded murders. It's a long and enthralling tale, drenched in blood and scored with betrayal.