Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago

This book was heralded on one of my favorite podcasts as the best book about city politics and it did not disappoint. This book beautifully describes the well-oiled components of the Daley machine: the rank-and-file Democratic voters, the recipients of the patronage system, national political leaders, labor unions, the private sector, and most importantly, Boss Daley himself. It should be required reading for all Chicagoans.

No ones going to comment on the sentences that go nowhere or the poor punctuation mistakes like sentences lacking periods or odd places for colons! Who edited this book for this guy. Written like a middle schooler the night before it was due.

An honest and unflinching look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the man who was neither the first Boss nor the last Boss but quite possibly the biggest Boss - but more importantly, what it cost one man, one city and millions of people to take that man to the top and keep him there. Crediting Daley for his ballsiness but never excusing or sparing Daley judgment for his ability to be both casually and deliberately cruel, a short and intense look at American Machine politics at what could be called its most sophisticated - for to call it "at its best" would be giving that form of government more respect than it deserves. Great read.

Born and raised in the Chicago area, I bought and read the first paperback edition when it first came out and loved it. I recently re-purchased to refresh my recollection, and was NOT disappointed. I add my voice to those who know that every word Royko wrote was true. And I have to wonder: what, specifically, did the Honors Government student (below) think was fictionalized? I hope he/she isn't considering a career in government, or he/she is in for a rude awakening upon his/her first encounter with the real world of politics. "Fictionalized?" Pal, it's ALL true!

I had owned the original publication years back & wanted to replace it. I was disappointed that photos were not included, as I recall were part of my original book..The print is smaller & crammed into fewer pages....The text is the same...readable, informative..Mike Royko was there & captured Daley as a person & a leader of the political machine

Just as relevant as when I first read it 40 years ago. It portrays both Mayor Daley and his city with a bit of artistic license, but the net result is pretty accurate.

Good read for anyone that grew up anywhere in Northern or Central Illinois in the late 60s - 70s. Chicago ran the state and Daley was the man.

Interesting/quick read on Mayor Daley and the workings of the Chicago political “machine” that supported his rein.

Engaging, funny and at maddening at times. Entertaining insight into the Boss.

The book was in perfect condition.

Very interesting book about the "reign" of Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley which lasted 21 years (1955-1976) and consolidated what is called the Chicago democratic "machine". The mayor was appreciated, of course, because he was elected seven times, but it was a reign characterized by cronism, favoritism and so on, and the Chicago mafia (the "outfit" ) was not bothered too much. Short book (200 pages), very factual and well witten book by a seasoned journalist. Recommanded reading.Daniel FournierMontreal