Duke — Hal Ellson

HE RAN A HARLEM BROTHEL AT FIFTEEN

Girls, to Duke, meant cash before pleasure. In his vice-ridden world they rated lower than liquor or marijuana. He ran his gang of teenage hoodlums with fists, feet and a gun. His operations included rape, murder, pimping and smuggling dope. He made his own law. And his code was the savage code of the slum-jungle that was the only home he knew.

This novel is shocking -- and true. It is the day-to-day story of the life of a teen age Harlem gang boss. It is grim and brutal, sometimes almost unbelievable. If you are squeamish, or if you prefer to ignore a dangerous social condition which even now is almost out of control, this novel is not for you.