A searing novel of the Mafia underworld, this book introduced readers to the first family of American crime fiction, the Corleones - and became the definitive novel of the virle, violent subculture that remains steeped in intrigue, in controversy, and in our collective consciousness. More than thirty years ago, a classic was born. A searing novel of the Mafia underworld, The Godfather introduced readers to the first family of American crime fiction, the Corleones, and the powerful legacy of tradition, blood, and honor that was passed on from father to son. With its themes of the seduction of power, the pitfalls of greed, and family allegiance, it resonated with millions of readers across the world-and became the definitive novel of the virile, violent subculture that remains steeped in intrigue, in controversy, and in our collective consciousness.

More than forty years ago, Mario Puzo wrote his iconic portrait of the Mafia underworld as told through the fictional first family of American crime, the Corleones. The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather. He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmaking, and unions.

Part I: "The Godfather is a violent and chilling portrait of the Sicilian family's struggle to stay in power in a post-war America of corruption, deceit and betrayal."--Back of container. Part II: "In what is undeniably one of the best sequels ever made, Francis Ford Coppola continues his epic Godfather trilogy with this saga of two generations of power withing the Corleone family."--Back of container. Part III: "In the final installment of the epic Corleone trilogy, Al Pacino reprises his role as powerful family leader Michael Corleone. Now in his 60s, Michael is consumed with guilt for his past deeds while he plans his family's re-emergence as a completely legitimate corporation in this exciting, long-awaited film."--Back of container. See this famously dark, staggeringly beautiful trilogy of films presented by the filmmaker as originally envisioned for the cinema.

A searing novel of the Mafia underworld, The Godfather introduces readers to the first family of American crime fiction, the Corleones, and the powerful legacy of tradition, blood, and honor that was passed on from father to son.

The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather. He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmarking, and unions. His influence runs through all levels of American society, from the cop on the beat to the nation's mighty.

The Godfather is an extraordinary novel which has become a modern day classic. Puzo pulls us inside the violent society of the Mafia and its gang wars. The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather. He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmaking, and unions. His influence runs through all levels of American society, from the cop on the beat to the nation's mighty. Mario Puzo, a master storyteller, introduces us to unforgettable characters, and the elements of this world explode to life in this violent and impassioned chronicle.

The Corleone Family nearly falls from power in America but rises to observe the passage of rites from father to son. There is a balance between family life and the ugly business of crime in which they are engaged.

"Don" Vito Corleone is the head of a New York mafia 'family.' His beloved son Michael has just come home from the war, but does not intend to become part of his father's business. Not given a choice, the business of the family is just like the head of the family, kind and benevolent to those who give respect, but gives in to ruthless violence whenever anything stands against the good of the family. An up and coming rival of the Corleone family wants to start selling drugs in New York, and needs the Don's influence to further his plan. A clash of old world values and the new ways will exact a terrible price, especially from Michael.