Set in postwar New York, the book delves into the vibrant yet tumultuous culture of youth gangs, exploring their origins and evolution amidst racial and ethnic divisions. It examines the allure of gang life, marked by distinctive styles, slang, and codes of honor, against a backdrop of switchblades, slums, and bebop music. Eric Schneider provides a comprehensive historical analysis, revealing how these gangs became both celebrated and vilified, shedding light on the motivations behind their formation and the violent camaraderie that defined them.
