Mick Gatto basks in attention and praise at launch of his book

IF there is a defining trait to Mick Gatto, it is his ability to network.

IF there is a defining trait to Mick Gatto, it is his ability to network.

And at Tuesday's launch of his book, I, Mick Gatto, his friends, colleagues and associates were all there - dressed mainly in black - to give "Big Mick" a kiss on both cheeks.

Gatto's wife, Cheryle, a lovely woman who looked like she did not fit in to the gangster lifestyle, referred to the staff by name at high-end city restaurant Grossi Florentino.

Staying out of the limelight, the woman who has stood by Gatto's side for more than 30 years and weathered an underworld war he was lucky to survive, chooses her words carefully and speaks eloquently.

Mrs Gatto makes it clear she does not like journalists after years of seeing her husband make headlines.

"The book humanises my husband," she said.

"We all have a past and what is really important in life is getting on with your future, and that's what Mick is doing.

"He has every right to feel proud of his future.

"I have taken offence to the misreporting over the years. This is Mick's story. He is entitled to tell it."

But it was her husband's day, and a glowing endorsement from former copper-turned-actor, Simon Westaway, officially launched his book.

Westaway told the story of how Gatto found out after meeting him that he used to be a member of Victoria Police, and it made Big Mick worried if Westaway was right to play him in the Underbelly TV series.

But the pair bonded and Westaway was given Gatto's blessing with two words to help him portray him accurately: "Be strong".

"I never knew of this man (before meeting him)," Westaway said.

"He is charming, charismatic, intelligent, interested and interesting.

"It's a great book but it's about the past, a man who is now part of Australian folklore, Victorian history and I am proud to be associated with Mick Gatto."

The author, almost overwhelmed by the well wishes, furiously signed books for a crowd that stood six or seven deep to meet him.

They included an ex-priest, former world champion kickboxer, a celebrity chef and assorted scallywags.

He scrawled messages such as "You should be running the country" and "I hope you're as good a bloke as your brother" to those seeking a signed copy.

And the last man standing in Melbourne's gangland war deserved the last word.

"You never get into trouble minding your own business," he said.

And business seems to be good for Big Mick.