Boss Book Summary

In 'Boss', renowned journalist Mike Royko delivers a riveting portrait of Chicago's notorious political machine through the lens of its infamous mayor, Richard J. Daley. With a blend of sharp wit and keen insight, Royko unveils the gritty realities of power, corruption, and loyalty that define 20th-century Chicago politics. His meticulous storytelling reveals not only the man behind the desk but also the complex web of influence and favoritism that propelled him to greatness. As you dive into this engaging narrative, you'll uncover the inner workings of a city pulsating with ambition and strife. Prepare for an eye-opening journey that exposes the intricate dance between democracy and authoritarianism.

By Mike Royko

Published: 1988

""In Chicago, you can’t just know the people in power; you have to understand the game they play and the deals they make. It’s a city built on the strength of its characters, both admirable and corrupt.""

Book Review of Boss

"The best book ever written about an American city, by the best journalist of his time.”— Jimmy Breslin New edition of the classic story of the late Richard J. Daley, politician and self-promoter extraordinaire, from his inauspicious youth on Chicago’s South Side through his rapid climb to the seat of power as mayor and boss of the Democratic Party machine. A bare-all account of Daley’s cardinal sins as well as his milestone achievements, this scathing work by Chicago journalist Mike Royko brings to life the most powerful political figure of his time: his laissez-faire policy toward corruption, his unique brand of public relations, and the widespread influence that earned him the epithet of “king maker.” The politician, the machine, the city—Royko reveals all with witty insight and unwavering honesty, in this incredible portrait of the last of the backroom Caesars. New edition includes an Introduction in which the author reflects on Daley’s death and the future of Chicago.

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"In Chicago, you can’t just know the people in power; you have to understand the game they play and the deals they make. It’s a city built on the strength of its characters, both admirable and corrupt."

Boss

By Mike Royko