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Boss: Richard J. Daley of Chicago Paperback – October 1, 1988

by Mike Royko (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 517 ratings
See all formats and editions
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“The best book ever written about an American city, by the best journalist of his time.”— Jimmy Breslin

In the turbulent world of Chicago politics, Boss dives deep into the captivating life and legacy of Richard J. Daley, the influential politician and mastermind behind the city’s Democratic Party machine.

Mike Royko’s scathing and meticulously researched account follows Richard J. Daley’s rise to power, from his inauspicious youth on Chicago’s South Side through his rapid climb to the seat of power as the city’s mayor.

This engrossing biography brings to life the most powerful political figure of his time. With witty insight and unwavering honesty, Royko unveils Daley’s controversial tactics, his laissez-faire policy toward corruption, and his unprecedented influence as a “kingmaker.” From milestone achievements to cardinal sins, this eye-opening biography paints a vivid portrait of Daley, making Boss a must-read for history buffs, political enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the inner workings of power.

Uncover the secrets and the undeniable legacy of the last of the backroom Caesars in this compelling portrait of politics and power.

This new edition includes an introduction in which the author reflects on Daley’s death and the future of Chicago.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    216 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Plume
  4. Publication date
    October 1, 1988
  5. Dimensions
    7.95 x 5.24 x 0.57 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0452261678
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0452261679
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

First published in 1971 when the late Daley was mayor of Chicago, this classic "provides a detailed and, for some, eye-opening account of Daley's rise to absolute control of the Chicago Democratic political machine," said PW , finding the book "sardonic and sometimes hilarious reading."
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"The best book ever written about an American city, by the best journalist of his time. Perhaps it will stand as the best book ever written about the American condition at this time. It comes at you from the saloons and neighborhoods, the police stations and political backrooms. It is about lies and viciousness, about the worship of cement and the hatred toward blacks, about troubling cowardice that hides behind religion and patriotism while the poor get clubbed and killed. … Royko’s book also does more written damage to a man than perhaps anything I have ever read. … I know of no place where it will not be read and quoted and kept and read again."
— Jimmy Breslin

“A pungent and precise portrait of how big-city politics work. And it is brisk and lively reading in the bargain. … Muckraking at its best, a remorseless book that bites and tears.”
— Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, The New York Times

“There’s nobody better than Mike Royko writing politics anywhere in the country today. About the book? It’s Daley; Royko’s got him to the life. And it’s Chicago. Even if you’ve never been there you know it’s Chicago. A fine job.”
—Russell Baker, The New York Times

"Stunning, astonishing, myth-shattering!"
— Studs Terkel, New York Times Book Review

"Without question the most devastating dissection of a personal municipal fief I've ever read … Brilliant!"
— John Barkham, Saturday Review Syndicate

"A great book … Chicago and the lesser towns that make up urban America may or may not die. But you won't understand why they hurst so much until you read Boss."
— The Washington Post

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plume; 59191st edition (October 1, 1988)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 216 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0452261678
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452261679
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.95 x 5.24 x 0.57 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 517 ratings

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Mike Royko

Mike Royko

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
517 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Tuscany
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
Interesting Page Turner
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Sean
5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Study of the Ultimate Urban Machine
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a masterpiece that will educate and entertain any student of politics. Written by a legendary journalist in narrative, not descriptive, form with vivid, humorous, and utterly shocking details it puts political scientists to shame. The book describes the most powerful modern political machine and boos, showing both their successes and failures. It raises important questions- is corruption necessary to get things done? Do voters actually reward - and want - corruption? Which voters?
2 people found this helpful
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Ellen Kelley
4.0 out of 5 stars Old book still relevant
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2012
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Are you as enchanted and haunted by the Starz Cable network's series Boss as we are? Wondering if the show goes too far? Could this be based in reality? Read Mike Royko's book Boss about the first Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago and make your own conclusions. Written in 1971 and then updated in 1976 after Daley's death, this account of "old style" Chicago politics is fascinating. Then watch the television show Boss. Intriguing
4 people found this helpful
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Deborah Goldenstein
5.0 out of 5 stars Chicago under Mayor Daley!!! Quite a Tale!
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
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Great writing on the history of Mayor Richard Daley and the city of Chicago, written impeccably by one of its greatest journalists, Mike Royko! WOW, Memorable times in the Windy City!
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Gen Swan
5.0 out of 5 stars This Author Royko knows Chicago
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022
Verified Purchase
I read this book in 1971 and so did my sister
She wanted to read again so I was happy Amazon had it. Great and concise book
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Alexander V Marriott
3.0 out of 5 stars Daley's Chicago--worse than you thought
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
A very brief kind of political biography that Robert Caro would make deadly in The Power Broker and the never-ending series of dives into the career and life of Lyndon Johnson. Like Caro's enormous books, this volume has the odd combination of the author's admiration for its subject, as stated in the introduction/eulogy (which was added after the book was originally published, upon the death of Daley) juxtaposed to an unflattering portrait of a bigoted and reactionary--not to mention mind-bogglingly corrupt and dishonest--machine politician.

Aside from that, the book is a fascinating and illuminating portrait of the mess machine politics and--despite the author's desperate attempts to obscure the basic point--post-New Deal Democratic control has made of America's big cities. The concentration of power into all levels of government to "plan" development translates here into a sordid and corrupt tale whose casualties are the outs--racially, politically, and otherwise--, the poor, and even the ins when their "boss" decides to chuck them over the side. The most amazing part of the story is that the city of Chicago has managed to persist at all in spite of the sad excuse for "planning" and "management" provided by the likes of people described within these pages.
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Nancy
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly as advertised
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023
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Book was in great condition. Had read it in the 1970's and wanted to read it again to confirm the corruption of the Chicago political machine. It was 100x what I remembered.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless and gut-wrenching
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
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.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Albert
5.0 out of 5 stars 25 million stars-great book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Excellent superb book.Not too long.Strongly recommend it.
Even though this is an old book,written 1971,it is still very interesting.
It’s good going to make an old book about a character most outside of Chicago have forgotten about as interesting as this.
The author,Mike Royko,was clearly on to Mayor Daley from early on.
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Sean Hamil
5.0 out of 5 stars The book was in perfect condition.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 18, 2020
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The book was in perfect condition.
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Jean
5.0 out of 5 stars funny and at maddening at times
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2018
Verified Purchase
Engaging, funny and at maddening at times. Entertaining insight into the Boss.
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Daniel Fournier
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good book. Received relatively fast. Very cheap price (except for the shipping and handling charges). Satisfied.
Reviewed in Canada on February 15, 2013
Verified Purchase
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 Fournier
Montreal
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