'The Godfather' is part of a series of four novels, known for introducing Italian mafia terms to the English-speaking audience, such as consigliere (mafia advisor), caporegime (regime head), Cosa Nostra (mafia members), and omertà (the code of silence among gang members). In 1972, a film inspired by the novel was released, followed by the second and third parts, co-written by Puzo, in 1974 and 1990, respectively. The first two films in the series gained immense critical acclaim and are considered benchmarks in the cinematic arts.