Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
UNDERSTATED DYNAMISM, October 28, 2011
Next to The President of the United States, the Mayor of New York is, perhaps the most well known politician in the western world and even maybe beyond. Michael Bloomberg is not an outwardly egotistical, vain, free-flowing, rabble rousing orator, normally associated with being a successful politician but essentially a thorough and determined highly successful businessman, who has clearly applied lessons learned in business to his approach in running New York City. But above all his mantra seems to be that if at first you do not succeed, look for a different route. Veteran New York newspaper reporter Joyce Purnick's biography of 'Michael Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics' lays out how this rather quiet, thoughtful individual carefully manoeuvred his 'money' into creating the 'power' base from which to launch and further his ambitions in 'politics'. She also looks at the not often displayed flamboyant side of his personality that is not so well known. In the years following his divorce he embarked on 'social reinvention' during which time he was seen on numerous occasions with beautiful and famous ladies on his arm, the likes of Barbara Walters, Liv Ullman, Marisa Berenson and Diana Ross. Bloomberg whilst all along professing little inclination of the love and lure of politics and the hand-in-hand power base, did go out of character when he used all of his adroitness and connections to squeeze a change in the City Electoral Laws to allow him a highly controversial third term in office. This is an easy to read, well balanced, and fascinating insight into this man of enormous influence that spans the worlds of business, politics and philanthropy from which Michael Bloomberg emerges as a decent bloke - for a billionaire and politician that is!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointingly thin in analysis of Bloomberg's mayoralty, November 7, 2009
This review is from: Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics (Hardcover)
While Purnick offers an interesting survey of Bloomberg's life and career, the book is disappointingly thin in its analysis. For Purnick's verdict on development issues, consider this summary paragraph (p. 4): "And in every rundown corner of the city he aggressively cleared the way for renovation and real estate development, to the chagrin of serious city planners and devotees of city landmarks, to the delight of builders, construction unions and pragmatists who share his preference for imperfect development over neglect." A reader might conclude that casual city planners and those who care partially about landmarks are fine with Bloomberg's record. But Purnick sets up a false dichotomy between imperfect development and neglect, fails to look into a controversial project like Atlantic Yards (arena + towers in Brooklyn), and does not even hold Bloomberg to his own standards. Search on my Atlantic Yards Report blog for more of the review.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
MAYOR MIKE..., September 18, 2009
This review is from: Mike Bloomberg: Money, Power, Politics (Hardcover)
This is an even handed, well-researched biography of New York City's one hundred and eighth mayor, Mike Bloomberg. This small town boy from Medford, Massachusetts would grow up to take the financial and business world by storm in one of the most competitive cities in the world and rise above the fray, creating a business empire that would set the standard. Having conquered the business world, this self-made billionaire would come out of political nowhere with many dollars and a dream and enter the rollicking world on New York City politics, determined to become its mayor. Setting his sights on the highest political office in the city, this physically unprepossessing, highly intelligent man, who is short on charm, managed to pull off one of the biggest upsets in New York's political history. Luck and his own personal fortune would make his dream of becoming mayor a reality. Mike Bloomberg became mayor in the wake of 9/11, determined to make changes that would put the city back on track, applying managerial know how rather than political acumen to the task. For the most part he delivered, winning the respect of the citizens of New York City, if not their affection. The author clearly knows and understands the world of New York politics and expertly lays it out for the reader. Against this tumultuous backdrop, the author paints a three dimensional portrait of Mayor Mike that is simultaneously both flattering and unflattering. She also tackles his unpopular but successful attack of New York's two term limit law, a success that would allow him to run for mayor a third time. The only question is whether Mayor Mike's power grab will be successful this time around. Written in clear spare prose with no holds barred, this book is sure to be savored by those who enjoy biographies and politics. New Yorkers especially will enjoy this book for the very personal look at their mayor, warts and all.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
