The Godfather: The Mafia, Power, and the Business of Crime

By Tim Madsen

The Godfather: The Mafia, Power, and the Business of Crime is a comprehensive exploration of one of the most influential stories in modern culture. From Mario Puzo's bestselling novel to Francis Ford Coppola's cinematic masterpiece, The Godfather has become more than a work of fiction-it is a myth that reveals the complexities of family, loyalty, ambition, and the American Dream.

This book examines the saga in ten detailed parts, tracing its literary origins, the tumultuous process of bringing it to the screen, and its profound cultural legacy. Along the way, it analyzes the Corleone family as a symbol of immigrant struggle and assimilation, unpacks the ritualized nature of violence, and investigates how organized crime mirrors American capitalism and politics.

Blending film criticism, cultural history, and sociological insight, this work considers not only why The Godfather remains a cinematic triumph but also why it continues to resonate decades later. From the artistry of Gordon Willis's cinematography and Nino Rota's haunting score to the broader debates about Italian-American identity, corruption, and the business of power, the book offers readers a rich understanding of a story that has defined generations.

Whether you are a film enthusiast, a student of history, or simply captivated by the enduring myth of the mafia, The Godfather: The Mafia, Power, and the Business of Crime provides an in-depth journey into the world of the Corleones-and into the heart of America itself.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FMTBGT35
• ISBN13: 9798298632102
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 38 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"