Description
Book SynopsisFrom his first election in 1955 to 1976, Mayor Richard J. Daley dominated Chicago''s political landscape. A product of the Irish Catholic working class, Daley never lost touch with his roots as he rose through the Democratic Party machine—whose workings he perfected—to become a powerful and enduring political figure.
The story of Daley is also the story of Chicago. Faced with issues confronting many American cities in the twentieth century—civil rights, integration, race riots, fiscal crisis, housing, suburban flight, urban renewal—Daley conducted Chicago''s business with a steadfast resolve to withstand the many changes that threatened to engulf his city. Richard J. Daley portrays one of the most prominent American mayors in a balanced perspective and sheds new light on his place in urban history.
Trade Review"The most complete and authoritative biography of this powerful political figure that we yet have."—Journal of American History
"Essential reading for urban scholars and those knowledgeable about Chicago's politics. A well-done and important contribution to the urban literature."—Library Journal
"Highly readable and thoroughly researched... a valuable contribution to local history."—Chicago Sun-Times
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Introduction: Chicago, 1945-1955
1 The Road to City Hall
2 The New Mayor
3 Mounting Problems
4 The Challenge to Plantation Politics
5 Pressure from External Sources
6 Confrontation with King
7 The Law and Order Mayor
8 Daley on Trial
9 Awash in a Sea of Scandal
10 The City That Works
11 The Battle for Chicago
Notes
Bibliographical Essay
Index
