Ive been trying to get more into the mob, and Im looking for a real, basic standart work to get started. Ive looked around in the near bookstores and on the internet, but with no such luck.

The question is, does any of you have any recommondations for me to get started?

Two real basic books come to mind:

"The Mafia Encyclopedia, From Accardo to Zwillman" by Carl Sifakis

and

"The Idiot's Guide to the Mafia" by Jerry Capeci

They're written like encyclopedias, and are a good starting point (and basic reference materials) for the subject.

The Idiot's Guide to the Mafia is a good read for a beginner or more advanced look into the Mafia. I am a proud owner

There's a book called Mobsters, by Joe Corrina. Its pretty basic and has info on a few Dons and guys like Meyer Lanskey. Its also like an encyclopedia, and I learned some stuff from it.

After reading Donnie Brasco's latest book I'd suggest that. I found it to be a basic Mafia book. It doesn't deal particularly with Mafia history except for the role of Pistone's undercover work but it gives a good feel to a Wiseguys life.

Just start with a book, just as I told you on msn. After a while you get to know things and you learn about what you like to read or don't. In my case I like everything. From the Yakuza to the Gambino-family to Falcone. But in many cases I can imagina some hates to read about Ivankov the 'Red' Godfather.

BTW I started with Wiseguy as you know.

Wiseguy is one of the best books you can read, seeing as you're getting an inside look at how the mob is run. I've also got a book called American Mafia, which is a very good book as well. It's full of information, and deals with everything that happened during the "golden years."

Also, you can head over to Crime Library and find tons of stories and information on the mob.