Rudy! an Investigative Biography of Rudolph Giuliani

I am still waiting for someone who gave this book a bad review to point out inaccuracies and patently false statements by the author. This book is a gem. The emperor has no clothes and is only wearing a bad rug. Thank you Mr. Barrett.

As a lifelong resident of New York City who came of age during the Giuliani years, i found this book very interesting. I was particularly impressed with Barrett's research into Giuliani's family history and his pre-mayoral career. The chapters on his '89 and '93 races for mayor were also interesting. a chapter dedicated to crime statistics seemed mundane but i guess was part of Barretts quest to give as much data to support his claims against Giuliani's success in bringing down crime. Most biographies have a level of bias, this one does have a high level of bias against Giuliani. it was still great reading and a good account on a portion of new york city history.

If you like Rudy, you won't like this book.If you don't like Rudy, the book will provide abundant ammunition when you make your case. Barrett is obviously biased against Rudy, and there's no ambiguity about that. But only the ignorant, of the hopelessly dogmatic, will accuse him of not doing his homework, or of being a 2nd rate journalist. Every assertion he makes is backed up with facts and data, sometimes ponderously so.It's not light reading, or particularly entertaining, but if you want the facts (nothing but the facts, ma'am) on the phenomena that is Rudy Giuliani, this is the only book to read.

Wayne Barrett's biography of Rudolph Giuliani is more than an expose of the mayor's family album. It is a textbook to be carefully read by anyone who admires meticulous research and scrupulous documentation, or wants to know what muckraking is all about. It is living, up-to-the-moment history presented with a point of view by a masterful reporter/detective.One chapter (that is as detailed as it is eye-opening) probes New York City's famous crime reduction statistics. The author reveals that almost 60% of the crime decrease under Mayor Giuliani is the result of large declines in only a few property crimes (such as auto theft and attempted burglary). Based on these findings, logical conclusions are drawn to show that, contrary to Giuliani-speak, the reductions have little to do with police work or mayoral policies. Instead, the case is made that more credit for the reversal should go to community and church groups (particularly in the rejection of crack).Standing alone, but representative of the high journalistic standards reached in the entire book, this impressive chapter penetrates the oversimplified, self-serving version of truth that Mr. Giuliani has conditioned us to accept as wisdom.Finally getting a chance to look at the facts and patterns behind the crime statistics curtain should stimulate informed discussion of what's really been happening in New York and across the country.The book is a total breakthrough.