The Enemy Within: The Mcclellan Committee's Crusade Against Jimmy Hoffa And Corrupt Labor Unions [Paperback]

Robert F. Kennedy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 1994

This is the authoritative, compelling account of one of the most famous, consummate, and effective Senate investigations in modern Congressional history. From 1956 to 1959 the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Management Field (chaired by Sen. McClellan and guided by chief counsel Robert Kennedy) heard more than 1500 witnesses and uncovered a shocking story, proving that labor leaders, management, the underworld, and public officials, sometimes in combination, sometimes separately, had worked to cheat and intimidate the rank-and-file union members. These revelations resulted in convictions, tough labor reform legislation, and a public awareness of organized crime’s insidious and corrosive influence. Writing crisply, with indignation but also with humor, Kennedy focuses on how unions are bought, sold, and sometimes stolen; how ’democracy’ actually operated in Jimmy Hoffa’s captive unions and what happened to the men who dared to oppose him; how Hoffa was tried on charges of attempting to plant a spy in the McClellan Committee; how an investigating committee works; how the Committee resisted external pressures, threats, and ploys to derail its efforts; and more. The Enemy Within is illuminated by firsthand knowledge and charged with the fire of personal conviction. With a new introduction by the chairman of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, this book remains a vivid testament to Robert Kennedy’s early commitment to equal justice for leaders and laborers alike.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968) served as Senator from New York and as Attorney General. In March 1968 he announced his candidacy for President, but was assassinated four months later.

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 22, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306805901
• ISBN-13: 978-0306805905
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #602,669 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Inside Look, November 15, 2002

By 

"sheryden" (Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Enemy Within: The Mcclellan Committee's Crusade Against Jimmy Hoffa And Corrupt Labor Unions (Paperback)

This is a marvelous peek inside Robert Kennedy's efforts against corrupt labor unions. I had long been intrigued with the whole RFK-Jimmy Hoffa "feud," so this was a treat for me. Robert Kennedy's writing style is at once humorous and pragmatic. He provides a detailed account of the inner workings of the McClellan Committee. Moreover, he meticulously describes the corruption within the labor organizations, with particular emphasis on Jimmy Hoffa. A word of warning: When I use words like "detailed" and "meticulously," I'm being serious. The book is a must for anyone interested in RFK, Jimmy Hoffa, the McClellan Committee, or American labor history; but someone who wants an action movie packaged as a book, will probably be disillusioned. Having said that, I loved the book. I highly recommend it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Well Written and Enlighting, July 5, 2010

By 

A. Ballard "Corinthos fan 4 life" (Fortuna,ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Enemy Within: The Mcclellan Committee's Crusade Against Jimmy Hoffa And Corrupt Labor Unions (Paperback)

This book is very well written, the content sounds complicated but Robert Kennedy does a great job and explaining what is going on in a way that the general public can understand the complexities of the hearings and committe work. I really enjoyed this book and am going to add it to my collection. Gives you a real insight into the commitee as well as Robert Kennedy's work ethic and personal ethics as well along with a first look at how the brothers worked with eachother.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Depth Expose` on Union Corruption, December 25, 2010

By 

Ray Valiant (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Enemy Within: The Mcclellan Committee's Crusade Against Jimmy Hoffa And Corrupt Labor Unions (Paperback)

Fact filled book that details the connection between America's labor unions and organized crime. When Jimmy Hoffa received the news about JFK's assassination, his response was a cheerful "that's great. Now we have the biggest crook in America in the White House" meaning none other than LBJ. This book details why Hoffa and his ilk were so elated regarding JFK's death, and certainly provides motive for the Mob's involvement. The Kennedys had their faults, but one thing is certain; when JFK was killed, this country took a turn towards massive centralized government and it has never been the same since. It seems for now, the "enemies" enumerated in RFK's classic book have won. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the powers that pull the strings from the shadows.