<Tr> <Th> Preceded by </Th> <Td> The Family Corleone </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Followed by </Th> <Td> The Sicilian </Td> </Tr> <P> The Godfather is a crime novel written by Italian American author Mario Puzo . Originally published in 1969 by G.P. Putnam's Sons, the novel details the story of a fictional Mafia family based in New York City (and Long Beach, New York), headed by Vito Corleone . The novel covers the years 1945 to 1955, and also provides the back story of Vito Corleone from early childhood to adulthood . </P> <P> The book is noteworthy for introducing Italian criminal terms like consigliere, caporegime, Cosa Nostra, and omertà to an English - speaking audience . </P>

Who wrote the book the godfather in 1969