Books: The Dedicated Gangster

THE BIG BANKROLL (369 pp.)—Leo Katcher—Harper ($5).

Gangster Arnold Rothstein's life story is the sort of straw out of which psychologists make their bricks. At the age of three, the future "Big Bankroll" of the underworld was found standing over his elder brother with a knife. Asked why, little Arnold said simply: "I hate Harry." By 14, Arnold was making money at dice and poker around Manhattan (to the horror -of his decent Jewish parents) and using it to buy the admiration of other East Side delinquents. In two years he was hiring out...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!