The first charge of any historical reader is to accept with regard many new awarenesses that conflict other accounts. That charge is front and center in Roger Biles' biography of Mayor Harold Washington. To only know the success of Washington as an American politician who gained national prominence as the first Black mayor of Chicago lessens the hard-fought work that led to his election as well as the push for economic and political changes through his term. Biles presents Washington's political life with authority and newness. For a man known for intensely pushing for progress, it was most interesting to read with scrutiny how Washington faced racism, corruption, and what Biles called "thuggery." It's easy and unfortunate to leave this book with insight and sad appreciation for the loss Black Chicagoans felt at his death in office. Good job, Biles..

Wonderful biography of the most important American mayor of the late 20th century. Harold Washington was a Chicago original--a man who commanded the respect of the average citizen because he broke barriers and was well on his way into confronting and breaking up the Chicago political machine. He was the first mayor to *truly* be like the people he represented. This wonderful biography finally gives the late Mayor Washington his due.

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One cannot understand the history of the United States without heroic stories of African-Americans. United States was built by African-Americans even to the greater extend than by descendants of European immigrants. Their sufferings, failures and successes shaped America. The author and publisher should be commanded with the decision to make available this indispensable book.

Harold Washington was a Chicago trailblazer and this book details his life, with a particular emphasis on 1983 to 1987, his years as Chicago's first African-American mayor. Elected as a progressive and one who would promote the neighborhoods at the expense of the Loop and who would provide more openness and transparency in government, Washington spent much of his first term bedevilled by the so-called Council Wars. He was just hitting his stride when he died unexpectedly at City Hall of a massive heart attack.

Biles presents an exhaustive, yet fascinating, look at Washington's life and legacy. This interesting book would appeal to Chicago history buffs, like me, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about 1980's politics and the issues which are so similar in many ways to those of today.

Documents the story of America's first black Major and the struggles and downright racism he encountered on a daily basis. A story we could all learn from about how to treat other human beings. A good solid four out of five stars read.

The author of this book vividly lays out what it was like to be the first African American Mayor of Chicago and the power struggles that ensued after he was elected. This is definitely a book that should be read in schools, as Mayor Washington handled the blatant racism directed his way in such a mature and professional manner.

This is a detailed and important piece of historical writing. The election of Chicago's first black mayor was by no means predictable but was of immense importance in state history. This has been well researched and is written without favour to any side,just recounted no and evaluating important events. It is very detailed and for that reason may be more suited to students of the period,other scholars or,of course, those interested in the growth of their home city.