50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION—WITH A NEW INTRODUCTION BY FRANCIS FORD COPPOLAMario Puzo’s classic saga of an American crime family that became a global phenomenon—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.With its brilliant and brutal portrayal of the Corleone family, The Godfather burned its way into our national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime … national consciousness. This unforgettable saga of crime and corruption, passion and loyalty continues to stand the test of time, as the definitive novel of the Mafia underworld.
A #1 New York Times bestseller in 1969, Mario Puzo’s epic was turned into the incomparable film of the same name, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It is the original classic that has been often imitated, but never matched. A tale of family and society, law and order, obedience and rebellion, it reveals the dark passions of human nature played out against a backdrop of the American dream.
With a Note from Anthony Puzo and an Afterword by Robert J. Thompson
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Complex and informative narrative of the transition from Old World to New World, through generations, and the effects that modern society has on Old World criminal “values”.
A classic crime novel
Nice to read after seeing the movie.
At the time of first sale it was the best ever written about that topic, after that…well…you know…but anyway it is a wonderful book.
More detailed then the movie
Nothing I could say would give this book and the following sequels justice.
First read this back in the 70’s before the movie came out. Wonderful. If all you’ve seen is the movie, then give it a try. Worth it.
I have read this book several times, same for the movies. Then after a few years, I reread the series. The characters are well written and you feel like you know them. Great book!
Probably the most famous gangster novels in history, The Godfather was a gigantic best seller long before it became one of great American films. The reader feels as though he’s reading fact. While the Corleone family may be similar to the five Mafia families of New York, they are entirely fictional. The story is compelling. Puzo allows his readers to forget that what these people are doing is criminal activity. The Godfather leaves readers wishing they had someone like the Don in our own lives. No real-life mafia don was every actually like Don Corleone. Nonetheless, The Godfather inspired many American gangsters to write their autobiographies or cooperate with writers telling their stories. Puzo’s story is remarkably resilient and still resonates with this reader.
One of the true classics of modern literature. No matter how many times you’ve seen the movie, you’ll still pick up more from reading this great book.
May be the best book I’ve read in the past 50 years.
It really is a classic,
Read it the first time when I was 11. It’s magnificent.
My favorite book of all time!
Probably the most entertaining novel I have ever read. In a broad sense The Godfather could be historical fiction
This book is THE classic of Mafia fiction!
A classic!!!
The book wasn’t as good as the movie but it was still worth reading.
Movie followed the book pretty well.