Bashing Chicago Traditions: Harold Washington's Last Campaign, Chicago, 1987

For anyone interested in the nuts and bolts of big city politics in the 80's should get their hands on this out of print book. This is not abstract poli sci, but a detailed journalistic account of Chicago Mayor Harold Washington's last campaign in 1987 and his polarized battles with City Council and the powerful white ethnic ward machines. This book packs a lot of detail and personal accounts and goes beyond just Washington but deals with his various opponents including ex-Mayor Jane Byrd and City Council leader Eddie Vrdolyak. Even if you're not from Chicago, this is fascinating reading for anyone with an interest in raw street level big city politics; the kind of politics that is Chicago as an ice-cold Old Style and a big brat on a hot July day at Wrigley.