Popular fiction encodes the generalized distrust that sustains protection markets.

Evidence

We do know, however, that I Beati Paoli and Coriolano della Foresta are the eponymous heroes of two works of fiction—written at the beginning of the twentieth century by Luigi Natoli, a Sicilian writer of feuilletons, under the name of William Galt—which first appeared in Il Giornale di Sicilia. … Once rationalistic prejudices are set aside, it may be recognized that, however naive, I Beati Paoli offers symbolic expression to feelings of generalized distrust and a mythical hope for salvation. Exploiting themes not uncommon in popular literature (see Umberto Eco’s introduction to the 1972 edition), it embodies a certain iconography: in a menacing and unjust world, the climactic action of its heroes—springing from mysterious catacombs to rescue frail virgins and wronged victims—engrosses the reader with a wishful sense of justice. — Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Business of…, 340

Categorization

• XREF: Directly relevant to the reader’s core project: the Mafia’s self-narrative is itself a marketed public good. Connects to Gambetta’s broader claims about reputation and signaling.
• QUESTION: Could chase whether the enduring popularity of I Beati Paoli tracks changes in actual Mafia legitimacy or public trust in the state.