Mackerels in the Moonlight: Four Corrupt American Mayors [Paperback]

Gerald Leinwand (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786418451 | ISBN-13: 978-0786418459 | Publication Date: August 2004

Political corruption is easy to define—the use of public office for private gain—but it isn't so readily seen because politicians cover their tracks so well.

Four of America’s most corrupt mayors and their shady dealings are covered in this work. "Big Bill" Thompson, who was mayor of Chicago three times, is considered America’s worst mayor, having, among other questionable activities, accepted support from gangster Al Capone. Frank Hague of Jersey City described his town as the "moralest city in the nation" and banished prostitution and pornography, but he saw no evil in gambling and Jersey City became a gambling mecca. Jimmy Walker of New York City was a "good time" mayor and did well as the city prospered, but cared little for the city’s money and his own when the Great Depression struck. James Michael Curley of Boston openly asserted that "politics is my business," but he flaunted a lavish home built entirely at the public’s expense and was elected again and again, once while he was still in jail.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gerald Leinwand, is President Emeritus of Western Oregon University. He is also the author of numerous other books and lives in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (August 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786418451
• ISBN-13: 978-0786418459
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,748,768 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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