For more than a decade starting in 1920, millions of regular Americans ignored the law of the land. Parents became bootleggers, kids smuggled illegal alcohol, and outlaws became celebrities. It wasn't supposed to be that way, of course. When Congress passed the Eighteenth Amendment, prohibiting the sale and manufacture of alcohol in the United States, supporters believed it would create a better, stronger nation. Instead it began an era of lawlessness, when famous gangsters like Al Capone rose to fame, and many reconsidered their concept of right and wrong. This is the story of those years in American history--the story of prohibition.

"Book design by Jay Colvin"--Title page verso. "Printed in the United States of America"--Title page verso.

Valentine's Day 1929 -- The little Sheppard -- Hot and cold water -- Home destroyers and defenders -- A nation divides -- War! -- Dry! -- Milk and moonshine -- Snorky and Scarface -- Wet, again -- Success or failure?