The book's thesis is that "the mafia" in Sicily was not a secret society but a "way of life" or an "attitude of mind." The discussion examines why belief in the mafia as a large-scale criminal association has persisted to this day. After discussing the meaning and etymology of the word "mafia," the book considers how perceptions of the Neapolitan camorra influenced perceptions of the mafia. The use of the concept of the mafia to explain the political and social unrest in Sicily after 1860 is then explained. This is followed by a review of those characteristics of Sicilian society that appeared both enigmatic and unacceptable to the new liberal state, which fueled the concept of a criminal organization. These characteristics included "omerta" and the belief in personal justice. The study of the fascist government's campaign against the mafia between 1925 and 1929 shows the extent of the gap between the official view of the mafia as a criminal organization and the more complex reality of Sicilian subculture. The discussion indicates how the idea of a secret association was exploited for political ends. The epilogue discusses Sicily in the 1930's and during World War II. Chapter notes, 264-item bibliography, subject index.