The Corleone Family Saga

In 1969, American author Mario Puzo published The Godfather; an epic saga that detailed the story of the fictitious Corleone family and the Sicilian Mafia of New York City. The family was led by Don Vito Corleone and later, his son Michael. The book was a huge bestseller and portions of the book were adapted into two Academy Award winning films: The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather Part II (1974); generally considered to be among the best films ever made.

If after reading the book and viewing the films, you thought you knew everything there was to know about Vito and Michael Corleone and their family, let me make you an offer you cannot refuse…

In 1990 Mario Puzo and Frances Ford Coppola produced the final chapter of the saga, The Godfather Part III (1990). While the critics considered this film to be below the standard set by Parts I and II, many fans of the earlier films felt some satisfaction with the conclusion. After Puzo’s death, Random House published two “authorized” sequels to the original novel, The Godfather Returns (2004) and The Godfather’s Revenge (2006), written by Mark Winegardner. Together, these books and films chronicle the Corleone Family saga, interweaving national and international events with the power struggles of criminals and politicians (sometimes indistinguishable). In his attempt to ruthlessly protect his family, Michael Corleone slowly destroys that family and everyone he loves.

Chronology:

Book – The Godfather – 1945-1955 (including the early life of Vito Corleone 1910-1939)

Film – The Godfather – 1945 –1955

Film – The Godfather Part II – 1958 – 1959 (including the early life of Vito Corleone 1910-1939)

Book – The Godfather Returns – 1955 – 1962 (includes the early life of Michael Corleone, 1920-1945, and fills in several gaps in between the films)

Book – The Godfather’s Revenge – 1963 – 1964 (also explores the early life of Tom Hagen, 1920 – 1922)

Film – The Godfather Part III – 1979 – 1997

To read about the real Mafia and the story of organized crime in America, see:

Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires by Selwyn Raab.

-- Jamie, Main Library