Selwyn Raab
- Born:
- November 4, 1934, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- December 18, 2016, Manhattan, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Journalist, Author
Early Life and Education
- Graduated from City College of New York.
- Served in the U.S. Army.
Career and Major Achievements
- Worked for the New York World-Telegram & Sun.
- Spent over 30 years as a reporter for The New York Times.
- Specialized in crime reporting, including coverage of organized crime and the mafia.
- His investigative reporting often focused on the New York City Police Department and the criminal justice system.
Notable Works
- Authored the book, Justice in the Back Room.
- Most notably, he wrote Five Families: America's Greatest Mafia Dynasties, a critically acclaimed and comprehensive look at the structure and history of the New York mafia. The meticulous research behind selwyn raab book five families established it as a seminal work on organized crime.
Legacy and Impact
Selwyn Raab's extensive investigative journalism significantly shaped public understanding of crime and law enforcement, particularly regarding the influence and inner workings of organized crime in New York City. Five Families remains a key resource for researchers and readers interested in the history of the American mafia.