The Last Pirate of New York: A Ghost Ship, a Killer, and the Birth of a Gangster Nation

By Rich Cohen

Was he New York City’s last pirate... or its first gangster? This gripping true-crime narrative dives into the blood-soaked legacy of Albert Hicks, a charismatic outlaw who ruled Manhattan’s waterfront in the 19th century. Perfect for fans of Gangs of New York and Boardwalk Empire, this book unearths the roots of America’s gangster era.

Book Synopsis

In 1860, Albert Hicks boarded an oyster sloop under an alias, planning a simple robbery. But when the ship was found adrift and unmanned near Coney Island, it sparked a manhunt that would end in one of the most sensational trials in New York history. From the dive bars of Five Points to the foggy straits of the Atlantic, Hicks’s story is one of violence, deception, and a city on the brink of transformation.

Perfect For

• True crime enthusiasts and history buffs
• Readers fascinated by 19th-century New York
• Fans of gritty nonfiction like The Devil in the White City
• Collectors of maritime and gangster lore

Advance Praise

“History at its best... I highly recommend this remarkable book.”
—Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A remarkable work of scholarship... I could not put it down.”
—Ian Frazier, author of Travels in Siberia

“Totally unique, totally compelling... I enjoyed every page.”
—Howard Blum, author of Gangland

About the Author

Rich Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist whose work has appeared in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and The New Yorker. Known for his vivid storytelling and deep historical insight, Cohen has written acclaimed books such as Tough Jews and The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse. He is also a co-creator of HBO’s Vinyl.

Other Related Titles

• The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
• Boardwalk Empire by Nelson Johnson
• American Lightning by Howard Blum
• Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898 by Edwin G. Burrows and Mike Wallace

Product Details

• Publisher: Random House
• Publication Date: June 4, 2019
• Format: Hardcover / Paperback / eBook / Audiobook
• ISBN: 9780399589942
• Pages: 256