Recognised as ''The first truly definitive English-language study of this myth-laden subject and a pleasure to read'' (Sunday Times) COSA NOSTRA is the compelling story of the Sicilian mafia, the world''s most famous, most secretive and most misunderstood criminal fraternity.The mafia has been given many names since it was founded one hundred and forty years ago: the Sect, the Brotherhood, the Honoured Society, and now Cosa Nostra. Yet as times have changed, the mafia''s subtle and bloody methods have remained the same. Now, for the first time, COSA NOSTRA reconstructs the complete history of the Sicilian mafia from its origins to the present day, from the lemon groves and sulphur mines of Sicily, to the streets of Manhattan.Described by Andrew Marr as ''Monumental and gripping'' COSA NOSTRA is a history rich in atmosphere with the narrative pace of the best detective fiction, and hailed in Italy as the best book ever written about the mafia.