Selwyn Raab

About the Author

Selwyn Raab is a distinguished investigative journalist and author renowned for his in-depth explorations of organized crime in America. With a career spanning decades, Raab has delved into the shadowy world of the Mafia, drawing on extensive research, interviews, and firsthand accounts to illuminate the inner workings of these powerful syndicates. His seminal work, Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires, stands as a definitive chronicle of the five major New York crime families, tracing their ascent in the early 20th century, their dominance during Prohibition and beyond, their erosion under federal crackdowns, and their surprising revival in modern times. Raab's meticulous reporting, honed through years at The New York Times, offers readers a gripping, authoritative narrative that blends historical analysis with vivid storytelling, making complex criminal enterprises accessible and compelling.