The Godfather

The Godfather is an extraordinary novel which has become a modern day classic. Puzo pulls us inside the violent society of the Mafia and its gang wars. The leader, Vito Corleone, is the Godfather. He is a benevolent despot who stops at nothing to gain and hold power. His command post is a fortress on Long Island from which he presides over a vast underground empire that includes the rackets, gambling, bookmaking, and unions. His influence runs through all levels of American society, from the cop on the beat to the nation's mighty. Mario Puzo, a master storyteller, introduces us to unforgettable characters, and the elements of this world explode to life in this violent and impassioned chronicle.
The Godfather has sold more than 16 million copies worldwide.

A chilling portrait of power, family ties, and offers that cannot be refused, The Godfather is much more than a mob movie or a tale of Sicilian bonds. It’s a harsh tale of America and, ultimately, the origins—and downfalls—of success, that’s widely regarded as one of the best films ever produced. This new LIFE special edition explores how the Godfather assumed his name, studies the beginnings of unmatched cinematic triumph, and marvels at the enduring influence of one distinctly American success story.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Godfather: Part III, director/screenwriter Francis Ford Coppola brings a definitive new edit and restoration of the final film in his epic Godfather trilogy—Mario Puzo’s THE GODFATHER, Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone.