<P style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class=MsoNormal>A fast-paced examination of organized crime, this account details the exploits of an unforgettable cast of villains, crooks, and mobsters who have made up the criminal and gangland scene in Melbourne. Tracing the developments in and the shifting dynamics of Melbourne's criminal underworld throughout the past century, this compelling and comprehensive history investigates the city's career criminals, such as Chopper Read and the Pettingill family, and chronicles the long-running Painters and Dockers' Union and recent Melbourne gang wars. Tales of Melbourne's talented standover men, contract killers, robbers, conmen, brothel keepers, biker gangs, drug dealers, and corrupt cops offer an extraordinary insight into this colorful and mysterious world. Anyone interested in true crime will appreciate this meticulously researched chronicle.</P>