#82 - The Unlikely Rise of a Female Crime Boss in 1860s New York

Books & Looks

Today we’re joined by acclaimed author and former New York Times obituary writer Margalit Fox. Margalit discusses her captivating new historical true crime book, "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum," which uncovers the extraordinary life of a forgotten female crime boss in 1860s New York.

Book Spotlight: "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum" tells the astonishing story of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a poor Jewish immigrant who rose to become the first major female organized crime boss in America. With meticulous research and engrossing prose, Margalit Fox brings to life this overlooked figure from New York's underworld and the corrupt society that allowed her empire to flourish.

Discussed in this Episode:

• The incredible rags-to-riches tale of Fredericka Mandelbaum, a German-Jewish immigrant who built a criminal empire as a "fence" for stolen goods
• How Mandelbaum leveraged societal changes, corrupt politicians, and an eager new middle class to create a thriving underworld business
• The difference between a bank robber and a bank burglar, and how Mandelbaum's crew used clever tactics to carry out heists
• Mandelbaum's opulent lifestyle and her surprising role as a beloved benefactor in her Lower East Side community
• The shrewd methods Mandelbaum used to elude authorities, including secret rooms, hidden compartments, and a network of safe houses
• The shifting attitudes towards crime that eventually led to increased pressure on Mandelbaum and her empire
• Insights into Margalit Fox's research process and her fascination with uncovering forgotten stories from the past

Links:

• "The Talented Mrs. Mandelbaum": https://amzn.to/3SNPRYt
• Margalit Fox Website: https://margalitfox.com/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-DjNl7kLS1s

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Find my book reviews on ViewsOnBooks.com.