Bonanno provides a fascinating account of the Castellemmarese War that is probably the most detailed telling extant. I'd like to believe it's true, but given the liberties and embellishments he took with other aspects of his life, the question remains open.
One of the unresolved questions is the extent to which he knew about, or was involved in, Maranzano's assassination. He'd like us to believe that he was surprised by it, then was elected boss of the family by the other members because of his popularity, force of personality, etc. And, when Charlie Luciano came calling to explain his role, Bonanno accepted it. I find it hard to believe that Luciano would have acted unilaterally against Maranzano without consulting people close to Maranzano--if for no other reason than to determine if others in the family were part of the conspiracy to whack Luciano. And I also doubt Bonanno suddenly got lucky, with the people in the family declaring him boss.

As for the photos: He no doubt supplied the publisher with photos from his personal collection. But the publisher might have used that stock photo of Maranxano without running it by Bonanno. Too bad, because there's probably no one alive today who could verify it.


Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.