Herbert Asbury (1889–1963) was an American journalist and writer known for his detailed accounts of the underworld and criminal elements in the United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries. He gained fame for his book "The Gangs of New York" (1927), which delves into the colorful and often violent history of New York City's gangs. The book later inspired the Martin Scorsese film by the same name. Asbury’s works blend historical research with sensational storytelling, which has both entertained and informed readers, though some critics argue that his work occasionally took liberties with historical facts for narrative effect. Asbury's writing style is noted for being vivid and engaging, bringing to life the characters and settings of the period he covered.