Little Caesar. Illustrated

W. R. Burnett’s Little Caesar is a landmark novel of American crime fiction, a gritty, uncompromising portrait of ambition and corruption in the underworld. First published in 1929, it tells the story of Cesare “Rico” Bandello, a small-time hoodlum whose ruthless drive and cold determination propel him to the top of Chicago’s criminal empire.

Burnett strips away glamour to reveal the stark reality of gangland life—its violence, betrayals, and inevitable downfall. Rico’s rise to power is swift and brutal, but his inability to escape paranoia and human weakness leads to his tragic fall.

With sharp dialogue, vivid atmosphere, and relentless pacing, Burnett captures both the allure and the emptiness of organized crime, laying the foundation for the modern gangster novel.

Little Caesar not only influenced an entire genre but also inspired the 1931 film adaptation starring Edward G. Robinson, which cemented the gangster archetype in popular culture.

As powerful today as when it was first published, Little Caesar remains a classic exploration of ambition, morality, and the dark side of the American dream.