Higgins was an amazing writer. This book, a wide-ranging commentary on politics, politicians, Boston, newspapers, and a lot more, would be unbearably boring from any other author, but Higgins makes it delightful.
This book would be worth reading by anyone interested in becoming a writer: this is how it's done, and done right.
I've read all of his published works, and this, IMHO, is his second-best, and that's pretty damned good. (Rat on Fire is his best; Friends of EC comes in third.)
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Style Versus Substance: Boston, Kevin White, and the Politics of Illusion
by
George V. Higgins
(Author)
This analysis and warning about the dangerous mix of politics and media manipulation examines the sixteen-year mayoral term of Boston's Kevin White in terms of the critical problems plaguing modern cities and government
- ISBN-100025514504
- ISBN-13978-0025514508
- PublisherMacmillan Pub Co
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1984
- LanguageEnglish
- Print length250 pages
Product details
- Publisher : Macmillan Pub Co (January 1, 1984)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 250 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0025514504
- ISBN-13 : 978-0025514508
- Item Weight : 1.02 pounds
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,392,128 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #5,191 in Trade
- #16,988 in History (Books)
- #68,335 in U.S. State & Local History
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
5 global ratings
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2011
Higgins goes into White's career, talks about the media's role in American politics cerca '80, but really all of that just gives him a platform to talk about Boston as a city. Pretty great read if you're into that kind of thing.
Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2012
This is NOT a review of the book.
I'm trying to figure out what books I should begin to read first when I come across this thing. WHAT IS IT ABOUT??? The other reviewer makes it sound self explanatory. And maybe that would be the truth i you know who the heck Kevin White is. And I'm doubly annoyed because 99% of all Amazon reviews from like all customers everywhere, no matter who silly and redundant it is, they ALWAYS add a plot description. Even for something like Batman, which is nothing by now if no self explanatory. All sorta comical.
I'm trying to figure out what books I should begin to read first when I come across this thing. WHAT IS IT ABOUT??? The other reviewer makes it sound self explanatory. And maybe that would be the truth i you know who the heck Kevin White is. And I'm doubly annoyed because 99% of all Amazon reviews from like all customers everywhere, no matter who silly and redundant it is, they ALWAYS add a plot description. Even for something like Batman, which is nothing by now if no self explanatory. All sorta comical.

