Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is a must read for all who seek valuable insight into Mayor Harold Washington—the man, his administration, and the power struggle that accompanied the election of Chicago's first African American mayor."--David Orr
"The master biographer of Illinois politicians provides the definitive account of Chicago’s first black mayor. Rooted deeply in the historical context, Roger Biles demonstrates how Harold Washington’s neighborhood agenda balanced social change with municipal housekeeping. Biles lifts Washington out of the morass of the Council Wars and reveals him as canny and substantive, flawed and private, deft and tragic."--Amanda I. Seligman, author of
Chicago’s Block Clubs: How Neighbors Shape the City"Biles explores the intra- and inter-party political tensions in Chicago that helped cultivate Washington and redefined the city’s political and business landscape." --
Booklist"One of the most comprehensive overviews to date of Washington's politics and policies while in office." --
South Side Weekly"Highly recommended." --
Choice"Makes a strong case for reevaluating Washington's career. [Biles] also covers pivotal elections with a flair for detail and suspense that locks you onto the page. This is a book that will reshape the way you think about Illinois, Chicago, and Harold Washington." --
Public ITable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix
Introduction: Race, Reform, and Redistribution 1
1 From Machine Regular to Progressive Democrat 15
2 The Plan and the Man 53
3 The Devalued Prize 105
4 Chicago Works Together 145
5 Balanced Growth 189
6 In Search of a Mandate 231
7 The Final Months 270
8 Harold Washington and Chicago 307
Notes 331
Index 377
Photographs follow page 181
