Summary of THE UNTOUCHABLES

"The Untouchables," written by Eliot Ness and Oscar Fraley, is a true crime memoir that recounts the efforts of Eliot Ness, a federal agent, to bring down notorious gangster Al Capone during the Prohibition era in Chicago. The book provides a detailed account of Ness's experiences as he leads a team known as the "Untouchables," a group of law enforcement agents tasked with enforcing Prohibition laws and combating organized crime. Ness and his team face immense challenges, including widespread corruption, violence, and the influence of Capone over the political and legal systems of the time. The narrative highlights key events and strategies used by Ness and his men to gather evidence against Capone, ultimately leading to the gangster's conviction for tax evasion in 1931. Throughout the story, Ness's determination, integrity, and often dangerous encounters are depicted, making it a gripping tale of morality, justice, and the struggle against crime. The book not only provides insights into the world of organized crime but also reflects on the complexities of law enforcement in a time when illegal activities thrived, and corruption was rampant. It has become a foundational text in the genre of crime memoirs and is often regarded as a significant part of American crime history.