Luciano’s Luck – With Typed Letter Signed By Jack Higgins

Author: Jack Higgins
Price: £145
Publisher: Collins, London, UK
Edition: First edition
Publication Date: 1981
Format: Original cloth gilt. Dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in near fine dustwrapper
Pages: 215

Description:

Binding nice and tight with very slight fading and creasing to the head and tail of the spine. Pages very nice and clean. A near fine, tight, clean copy in near fine, slightly creased dustwrapper. Typed letter signed by Jack Higgins regarding the book loosely inserted. Higgins states: ‘Dear John Hogan… Most of the book is true. He did help the government while in jail during the war. He was parolled (paroled) at the end of the war for services to his country although the authorities refused to say exactly what it was that he had done. The legend has always been that he went to Sicily and organised Mafia in the way the book shows. Guck luck, Jack Higgins’.

Luciano’s Luck: A Short Description

“Luciano’s Luck” is a historical fiction novel by British author Jack Higgins, first published in 1981. The novel blends real historical events with fictional storytelling, characteristic of Higgins’ style, which often centres on action, espionage, and wartime drama.

Plot Summary:

The novel is set during World War II and revolves around a daring and secret mission involving American gangster Charles “Lucky” Luciano and the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. The plot is loosely based on a real-life event, Operation Husky, which was the code name for the Allied invasion of Sicily, a crucial campaign that opened the Mediterranean to the Allies and contributed to the downfall of Mussolini’s regime in Italy.

In Higgins’ fictionalized version, Lucky Luciano, who is imprisoned in the U.S., is approached by the U.S. military for help in facilitating the invasion. The plan involves enlisting the Sicilian Mafia to aid the Allies by disrupting German and Italian defences on the island, using Luciano’s underworld connections in Sicily to ease the way for the invasion force.

Key Themes and Features:

1. Historical Context:
   • While much of the book is fictional, it is based on real events surrounding Operation Husky. There are historical rumours and legends about Luciano’s involvement in the invasion of Sicily, as he had deep ties to both the Mafia and the island itself. Higgins takes these rumours and turns them into a fast-paced adventure novel.
2. Lucky Luciano:
   • The character of Charles “Lucky” Luciano is based on the infamous real-life gangster who was a key figure in the development of organized crime in the United States. In the novel, Luciano is portrayed as a pragmatic and resourceful figure, someone who uses his criminal contacts to aid the war effort — but not without some self-interest involved.
3. Espionage and Action:
   • As with many of Jack Higgins’ novels, “Luciano’s Luck” is filled with suspense, action, and intrigue. There are espionage elements, as spies and resistance fighters collaborate to ensure the success of the mission. The novel also features intense action sequences and tense encounters between the Allies, the Mafia, and the Axis forces.
4. Mafia and WWII:
   • The book explores the fascinating intersection between organized crime and the military during WWII, with a focus on the Sicilian Mafia. It highlights the influence and power of the Mafia in Sicily during this period, as well as the complicated relationship between criminal organizations and wartime politics.

Reception:

“Luciano’s Luck” is one of Higgins’ many successful wartime thrillers, known for its fast pace, engaging characters, and historical backdrop. While it takes considerable liberties with historical accuracy, it remains a popular read for fans of military fiction and thrillers.

Jack Higgins is known for creating gripping war-based novels, and “Luciano’s Luck” fits well within his body of work, combining elements of espionage, history, and action.

Lucky Luciano: A Short Biography

Lucky Luciano (born Salvatore Lucania, November 24, 1897 – January 26, 1962) was an Italian-American gangster who is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of organized crime in the United States. He is widely regarded as the father of modern organized crime, responsible for reshaping the American Mafia into a more structured and efficient operation.

Key Aspects of Lucky Luciano’s Life:

1. Early Life:

• Born in Sicily, Luciano immigrated to the United States with his family when he was a child, settling in New York City. He became involved in criminal activities at a young age, joining gangs and rising quickly through the ranks.
• In the 1920s, he worked under Mafia bosses Giuseppe “Joe the Boss” Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano during the Castellammarese War, a power struggle between rival Mafia factions in New York.

2. Formation of the Commission:

• In 1931, Luciano orchestrated the murders of both Masseria and Maranzano, effectively ending the Castellammarese War. Afterward, he took control of the Mafia in New York and formed The Commission, a governing body designed to prevent conflict among the Mafia families and manage organized crime across the country.
• This was a significant development, as it shifted the Mafia away from a purely hierarchical model led by a single “boss of bosses” to a more democratic structure. The Commission included heads of the major crime families, with decisions being made collectively.

3. Criminal Empire:

• Luciano played a central role in various illegal activities, including bootlegging during Prohibition, gambling, extortion, and prostitution. His criminal empire extended across the U.S., and he worked closely with other crime figures, including Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, and Frank Costello.
• Luciano’s operations were notable for their efficient organization, which led to the Mafia becoming more sophisticated and business-like under his leadership.

4. Prosecution and Imprisonment:

• In 1936, Thomas E. Dewey, the Manhattan District Attorney, successfully prosecuted Luciano for compulsory prostitution (a form of organized prostitution). Luciano was sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison.
• Even while incarcerated, Luciano maintained control over much of his criminal operations through intermediaries.

5. World War II and Operation Underworld:

• During World War II, Luciano was approached by the U.S. government to assist in securing the New York docks against possible sabotage and espionage by Axis powers. Luciano used his influence over the longshoremen and dock workers, many of whom had ties to the Mafia, to help the Navy ensure the safety of the waterfront.
• Luciano’s cooperation extended to Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. He used his connections with the Sicilian Mafia to assist the Allies in their campaign against the Axis forces on the island.

6. Clemency and Deportation:

• Due to his assistance during the war, Luciano’s sentence was commuted in 1946 by New York Governor Thomas Dewey, who had initially prosecuted him. However, as part of the deal, Luciano was deported to Italy and barred from returning to the United States.
• Luciano lived the rest of his life in Italy but maintained influence in international organised crime circles. He was involved in drug trafficking and continued to hold sway over Mafia activities in the U.S. from abroad.

7. Death:

• Luciano died of a heart attack in 1962 at Naples Airport in Italy. He had been planning to meet a film producer to discuss a movie about his life. Luciano’s legacy in organized crime is vast, and his innovations in the structure and operation of the Mafia have had a lasting impact on the underworld.

Legacy:

• Luciano is credited with modernising organized crime in America. His leadership in forming The Commission and his involvement in the international narcotics trade helped shape the Mafia into a more disciplined, business-like entity that continues to operate today.
• His life has inspired numerous films, books, and TV shows, with his story often regarded as a blueprint for the gangster genre.

Despite his criminal background, Luciano’s involvement in assisting the U.S. during World War II adds a complex layer to his legacy, blending crime, politics, and wartime necessity.

Why buy from us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our book collection is meticulously curated to ensure that each edition is a valuable and authentic piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every book is researched, collated, and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: Each book is selected with a keen eye for significance, condition, and rarity, ensuring a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, books may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and books must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:
Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of rare and signed books. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and collectors since 1976.