U.S.A. Confidential
First edition | |
| Author | Jack Lait, Lee Mortimer |
|---|---|
| Genre | Non-fiction |
| Publisher | Crown Publishers |
Publication date | 1952 |
U.S.A. Confidential is a 1952 book written by Jack Lait and Lee Mortimer (Crown Publishers). Its theme is crime and corruption.[1][2] The book is remarkable for early mentions of many who would become infamous, among them Benny Binion and Jimmy Fratianno.
A joint $7.5million lawsuit was filed against the authors of the book by the department store Neiman Marcus and its employees for defamatory statements made in the book.[3][4] The suit was settled in 1955 out of court, with the Mortimer and the estate of Lait (he having died a year earlier) retracting those positions and paying an undisclosed sum.[4][5]
References
- ^ Cooke, Bob (16 March 1952). "Restraint Needed if You Read 'U.S.A. Confidential'". Abilene Reporter-News. p. 7-B. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Tribble, Hal (16 March 1952). "Charlotte Is Spared In 'USA Confidential'". The Charlotte Observer. Charlotte, North Carolina. p. 8B. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Jack Lait Denies New Book Libels Store in Dallas". The Oregon Daily Journal. Portland, Oregon. Associated Press. 6 March 1952. p. 16. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Apology, Money Settle Suit Based Upon Book". Winston-Salem Journal. Winston-Salem, North Carolina. United Press. 6 May 1955. p. 23. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dallas Store's Libel Suit Settled; Retraction Made". Corpus Christi Caller-Times. Corpus Christi, Texas. Associated Press. 6 May 1955. p. 12. Retrieved 30 June 2025 – via Newspapers.com.