Journalist Matthew Black to remotely talk about WWII book at Feb. 8 virtual Authors at Your Library event

By Barr Memorial LibraryJanuary 12, 2023

Matthew Black to remotely talk about WWII book at Feb. 8 virtual Authors at Your Library event
Journalist and crime historian Matthew Black will discuss his newest book, Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II, during a virtual Barr Memorial Library event Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2022, beginning at noon. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barr Memorial Library) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Journalist and crime historian Matthew Black will discuss his newest book, Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II, during a virtual Barr Memorial Library event Wednesday, Feb. 8, beginning at noon.

Operation Underworld is the unbelievable, first-ever account of the allied war effort’s clandestine coalition between the mafia and the U.S. government to protect New York and take the fight to the Nazis during the 1943 U.S. invasion of Sicily.

Fearing that New York Harbor was vulnerable to sabotage in 1942, the U.S. Navy recruited members of the mafia gangs of the city, who controlled the docks in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Ultimately, a deal was struck with former Public Enemy #1, Charles “Lucky” Luciano, and a plan unspooled not only to protect the Harbor but also track Nazi movements in Italy.

Matthew Black to remotely talk about WWII book at Feb. 8 virtual Authors at Your Library event
Journalist and crime historian Matthew Black will discuss his newest book, Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II, during a virtual Barr Memorial Library event Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2022, beginning at noon. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barr Memorial Library) VIEW ORIGINAL

Black is a journalist and labor and crime historian who has worked as a staff writer for the San Diego Union-Tribune. He has written articles for Alaska Airlines magazines and published dozens of articles on History101.com. He is a graduate of the University of Washington with an honors degree in history.

Those interested in participating in the event, which will be livestreamed, can either watch the event at the library or participate remotely via Microsoft Teams. Black will also be participating remotely. Those interested in signing up for remote access should email the library at barrlibraryevents@gmail.com.

Matthew Black to remotely talk about WWII book at Feb. 8 virtual Authors at Your Library event
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Barr Memorial Library) VIEW ORIGINAL