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.

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.

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.

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.