The Don

For readers of Machiavelli’s THE PRINCE, Sun Tzu's THE ART OF WAR, and Robert Greene's THE 48 LAWS OF POWER, a riveting history of the Mafia in America, the undeniable sweep and power of the Five Families, and their Machiavellian strategies—all condensed into an electrifying guidebook for understanding and harnessing the Mafia’s philosophy of successfully rising within any hierarchy (legally, of course).

A captivating history of the Mafia in America as well as an illuminating breakdown of the formidably effective—indeed ruthless—success strategies of the infamous Five Families that ruled, for anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to be a boss.

The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses is the fascinating culmination of author RJ Roger's extensive research into the Italian-American Cosa Nostra. Analyzing more than 100 years of underworld history, Roger has distilled the behavior of the bosses of the five New York Mafia families—the most powerful in the United States—into 36 rules. Unwritten until codified in The Don, these rules were the foundation of the bosses’ success for over a century.

Created in collaboration with Joost Elffers, the producer behind Robert Greene’s international bestseller The 48 Laws of Power, Roger’s The Don: 36 Rules of the Bosses details the history of the American Mafia. More important, it elucidates the strategies by which the bosses of the Five Families achieved and held power.

Many of these leaders were devotees of Niccolò Machiavelli's treatise The Prince, a manual for would-be rulers written in 1513 and still read today by power brokers of many kinds around the world. Understanding the influence of this book on the most successful Mafia bosses, and also applying his expertise in contemporary business practices and his deep knowledge of America’s underworld, Roger has identified 36 rules common to them all. In The Don, he explains these rules in ways that will be useful to any reader hoping to gain power, whether personally, politically, or in business.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs