Mafia, The: A Cultural History

The book "The Mafia: A Cultural History" by Roberto M. Dainotto explores the development of the mafia, its relationship with music, print, and the big screen, and the tension between the real mafia and our imagined fantasies. It offers a new way of understanding our fascination with the family business.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 240 pages
\n Publication date: 10 September 2018
\n Publisher: Reaktion Books
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In his book, "The Mafia: A Cultural History," Roberto M. Dainotto delves into the intricate and captivating evolution of the mafia, encompassing its rural roots in Western Sicily, its expansion into a global multinational of crime, and its parallel development in music, print, and the big screen. The book explores the tension between the real mafia, characterized by its brutal and often violent reality, and how we perceive it as a mythical assembly of honor, family values, and chivalric masochism. Rather than dismissing these mafia stereotypes as untrue, Dainotto aims to understand the underlying needs and desires, both material and psychic, that are fulfilled by our fascination with the mafia. Through an exploration of a wide range of films, books, television shows, music, and video games that portray and are inspired by the mafia, the book offers not only a social, economic, and political history of the mafia but also a fresh perspective on our enduring fascination with the dark underworld of the family business.

The character of Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini in the hit television series "The Sopranos," is a complex and multifaceted figure that has captivated audiences for decades. While Tony's actions and decisions can be controversial and morally ambiguous, there are several reasons why he is likeable to many viewers.

Firstly, Tony is a skilled and charismatic leader. He is intelligent, strategic, and has a natural ability to manipulate others. He is also fiercely loyal to his family and friends, and will go to great lengths to protect them. This loyalty is evident in his willingness to risk his own life to save his nephew, Christopher, from the consequences of his drug addiction.

Another reason why Tony is likeable is his sense of humor. He is often witty, sarcastic, and self-deprecating, and his humor provides a lighthearted contrast to the often violent and dark world of the mafia. Tony's ability to laugh at himself and his circumstances helps to humanize him and make him more relatable to the audience.

Despite his flaws, Tony is also a deeply flawed and complex character. He struggles with addiction, guilt, and a sense of self-doubt. He is also capable of acts of violence and cruelty, particularly towards those who cross him or threaten his family. However, these flaws make Tony more interesting and relatable, as they demonstrate that he is not a one-dimensional character but a human being with flaws and weaknesses.

In conclusion, Tony Soprano is a likeable character because of his skilled leadership, sense of humor, loyalty to his family and friends, and his flawed and complex nature. While his actions and decisions may be controversial, they are a testament to his humanizing qualities and his ability to navigate the complex and often dangerous world of the mafia.

\n Weight: 318g\n
Dimension: 135 x 210 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781780239934\n \n