Legs Diamond

For the third time in a row, Patrick Downey delivers the goods in his chronicle of the crime scene in Prohibition era New York. This time the subject of his research is the unlamented Jack "Legs" Diamond, the Big Apple's answer to Al Capone. Downey leaves no stone unturned in this engrossing study of one of the period's most fascinating figures, although it becomes clear in these pages that Legs' notoriety may have falsely inflated the actual power he wielded among his peers. As mobster and Diamond foe Salvatore Spitale put it, "He was the most overrated guy I ever knew." Maybe so, but it cannot be disputed that Diamond symbolized the glitz and glamor of the Prohibition Era, openly carrying on an extramarital affair with showgirl "Kiki" Roberts, shooting up a Broadway speakeasy called the Hotsy-Totsy Club (yes, that was its real name) and himself having been shot and left for dead so many times that the New York Times dubbed him the "human ammunition dump for the underworld." Tracing Legs' life back to his birthplace in Philadelphia in 1898, we learn that Diamond's real name was, in fact, Diamond, even though a number of his biographers have erroneously stated that it was Nolan or Moran. Moreover, despite the fact that it has been widely reported that the first of four unsuccessful attempts on Diamond's life occurred in October, 1924, the author, citing a New York Post article, puts the actual date at July 1, 1925. Downey's account of Diamond's final hours is riveting, and his epilogue regarding what became of many of those in Legs' orbit after his assassination is probably one of the most comprehensive written to date (even as far as describing the stomach contents of Vincent Coll, based on the coroner's report, after he was himself shot to death). I could go on and on, but from a personal standpoint I find myself easily bored with long reviews, so I'll spare you. But if you're into true crime, especially of the period in question, it's a sure bet you'll enjoy this book.

A well researched biography of one of America's most famous gangsters. The best part, is that it shows, in detail, just how inaccurate Hollywood's depiction of the man has always been. I enjoyed it very much.

Good book

Would not suggest this as a must read for those who enjoy books pertaining to gangsters. Poorly written.Very disappointing.

Very informative easy to read I like they style of the notes at end of each chapter wish it would have expanded on his relationship with Owney Madden

A very interesting insight into the life of one of the lesser known 'gangsters'. It follows him from boyhood to the end with plenty of insight into the way Diamond 'thought'. It's good reading.

GREAT book love it

Leg's was a frequent visitor to my hometown (Saranac lake, NY). His brother Ed was TB patient and taking the cure in Saranac lake and Leg's came often to see him. When he first stayed at the hotel, my Dad was a bellhop and always got a $5 buck tip for handing his luggage. Some times he came disguised as a Priest, other times as a woman. The eventually bought a house on Shephard Avenue. Leg's, while "shacked up" in a hotel in Albany, NY died one moring due to a severe case of lead poisoning.

If you feel the "alure" of the Depression era Gangster/Outlaw, a book about "Legs" is a must! The Author manages to capture the rise and fall of John Diamond in a particulary pleasing and always interesting way. You will read of a man who associated with many of New York's infamous "Bad guys", and how readily many of them became his enemy. Is he deserving of the "reverance" of criminals such has Capone,Luciano,Moran etc? Well you can make up your own mind. One thing is for sure about "Legs", he sure took some "putting away", the man was shot, and survived several times till he met up with his maker! A Very fine read, well meriting it's 4 star rating.

Saw the film years ago but thought I would get a better Idea of Legs Diamond, if you are interested in this stuff then get this book, I am only onto the second chapter and it is great stuff, seems well researched and straight forward information no fancy tarting up down to the point.He was quite a character probably someone you may have liked to have known, if you lived at that time of course, anyhow just get the book and have a good read.

i thought this book was great because there isnt much info on jack legs diamond and i thought patrick downey did a magnificent job at giving this to the reader also there is very good pictures in the book and any fan of the prohibition era gangster as i am will love this book

Stopped reading after 3 chapters as I did not enjoy.

Pretty interesting and quite well written account of the life of legs diamond, if 1920s/30s gangsters are of interest buy this book