The Life & Times of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague: "I Am the Law" (The History Press) [Paperback]

Leonard F. Vernon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 2011

Frank Hague served as the mayor of Jersey City for much of the early twentieth century. While some believed him a thief, others viewed him as a modern-day Robin Hood. He could put food on your table or triple your taxes, give you a job or end your career. It was with this same ease and power that he could make you a federal judge, a congressman or even a United States senator. He has been remembered as one of the most corrupt politicians of the century. But in this biography, Leonard Vernon reexamines Hague s deeds, prompting a new understanding of his life and the memory of politicians of the era.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Leonard Vernon, of Laurel, New Jersey, is a recognized expert on Frank Hague. He is a well-known local author, and his works include Jewish South Jersey and Jersey City Medical Center, and well as A Profession Persecuted: The History of the Chiropractic Profession in New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: The History Press (November 18, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609494687
• ISBN-13: 978-1609494681
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #785,046 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent biography, December 2, 2011

By 

Dr. Christopher Kent (Ramsey, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Life & Times of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague: "I Am the Law" (The History Press) (Paperback)

Leonard Vernon has masterfully balanced scholarly research with entertaining writing. Of particular interest is how he exposed how one biased source, when cited by other biographers, can create a misleading portrait of the subject. The character of a person cannot be fairly assessed outside the cultural and moral context of the time. Vernon made this clear. Frank Hague was not an angel or a devil. Vernon's biography brings meaning to the phrase "fair and balanced."

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life & Times of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague: "I Am the Law", November 30, 2011

By 

Lev Golinkin - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life & Times of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague: "I Am the Law" (The History Press) (Paperback)

What's great about this book is that it highlights the complexities of Hague's legacy, complexities which echo that of the man himself. For example, I was shocked to learn that the famous "I am the law" quote, which is typically used to show Hague as a dictator, was actually uttered when the mayor was arguing to get delinquent kids back into school. Hague used his nearly unlimited powers to consolidate his political kingdom; he also used them to provide nearly-universal healthcare, fund special education, and streamline police and fire services, putting him decades ahead of his time. By reading this book you see both sides of Hague - the scheming politician and the benevolent despot. It's fascinating.

5.0 out of 5 stars A fair account of a complicated man in a complicated time, November 28, 2011

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IN HIM I TRUST (NEW JERSEY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life & Times of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague: "I Am the Law" (The History Press) (Paperback)

This book is one of the first that I have read that actually treats Hague fairly. As a matter of fact it is really the only thing I have ever read that acknowledges many of the good things that he did. Vernon makes a point of spelling out how men like Curly of Boston, who were at least if not more corrupt than Hague are now idolized in Boston, while Hague's reputation is that of a dirty politician. The other interesting item was the fact that Hague's well oiled machine was so good that he really never had to resort to voter fraud to win elections. A FANTASTIC READ FOR ANYONE FROM OR WHO HAS AN INTEREST IN NEW JERSEY HISTORY AND/OR POLITICS.