Get Capone

The Secret Plot That Captured America's Most Wanted Gangster

By: Jonathan Eig

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Acclaimed journalist and best-selling author Jonathan Eig blows the lid off the Al Capone story. Based on never-before-seen government documents and newly discovered letters written by Al Capone himself, Get Capone presents America's greatest gangster as you’ve never seen him before.

In addition to IRS files, Eig got hold of the personal papers of the U.S. attorney in Chicago who prosecuted Capone. He even found family members who would share stories about their notorious relative. The author, a former reporter for the Wall Street Journal, brings his uncompromising standards for research and his superb knack for storytelling to one of the most thrilling stories in American history. This eye-opening biography reveals that Capone was the target of one of the most intense criminal investigations in American history - with orders coming directly from the White House. Capone flaunted his criminal success so openly that President Hoover insisted the gangster be stopped. And, despite his many misdeeds, Capone may have been the victim of a rigged trial.

Get Capone also offers a bold new theory to explain the Valentine's Day Massacre and sheds new light on Capone's connection - or lack thereof - to the crime.

©2010 Jonathan Eig (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Eig presents a multifaceted portrait of a shrewd man who built a criminal empire worth millions." ( Publishers Weekly)

Get this book

Jonathan Eig superbly tells the tale of a man whose legend still permeates Chicago. Working with a compelling script, the narrator does an excellent job of bringing to life Capone, his crew and the cast of local and federal government officials who interact with him.

Eig does a masterful job of re-creating the Roaring Twenties and detailing Capone's exploits. At the same time, he methodically examines the crimes that have long been attributed to Capone. Relying on his dogged reporting skills, Eig adds texture to some events, while persuasively debunking others.

This is one of those books that will have listeners looking for excuses to take errands so they can listen to just a few more minutes. Great yarn!

Capone and the Roaring 20's.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed this book. I think it is a great companion to those that love Boardwalk Empire because it follows Capone's life.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Al Capone hands down! He was a larger than life character and this book makes him come alive.

What does Dick Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is a very good narrator on non fiction books. He keeps me interested in his rapid pace delivery. Reminds me of Walter Winchell.

Do you think Get Capone needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, it's his entire life story plus other Chicago stories including the Valentine's Day Massacre.

Any additional comments?

Great book if you are interested in Al Capone and the gangster life.

A fun listen!

If you like Chicago stories, popular biography, popular history, or true crime, I heartily recommend this well-writeen and well-read book. I enjoyed every minute!

Compelling Insight

I was thoroughly engaged by this fact-based narrative about an individual and an era that are more often discussed in a fictional context. The descriptions of Capone's personality and style brought to mind more modern day gangsters, many of whom must have modeled themselves on him. Even while recognizing Capone for the murderous thug that he was, Eig managed to convey the qualities that made him so slippery and so admirable to so many. In fact, his descripton of the trial, complete with a stacked jury and biased judge, almost made me feel sorry for the guy.

Too much for me

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Make it more condensed.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was kind of sad in a way.

Have you listened to any of Dick Hill’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. He's always pretty good.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Any additional comments?

This is an extremely detailed book about Capone. If you're interested in knowing everything there is to know about him, this is for you. I really didn't want to now that much, so I skipped through chapters. The ending was the best part of the book.