Willie Brown: Style, Power, and a Passion for Politics

This is probably the best biography I have ever read due to an extremely good writer. Richardson has a fascinating character to start with so that helps. In learning about Brown one learns a lot about California politics and politics in general. Nothing is hugely surprising but it is all riveting and I don't think I could say this about any other book I've read where politics is a main topic. However, what makes the book stand out is the excellent journalism. Richardson's writing is thorough without repetition or dry minutiae. He employs humor where appropriate and has objective insights. He also avoids the popular "new journalism" approach of making up conversations or other facts he couldn't possibly know about--a pet peeve of mine (think Bob Woodward). It appears to me in reading the reviewers giving low ratings that they are miffed Richardson's account doesn't have a right-wing non-objective slant. To the extent you can discern any slant at all (and the book is quite objective) it's a middle of the road view, not liberal.

Willie Brown is a politician regarded as both a political reformer and a modern political boss, a sometime political progressive and sometime defender of corporate interests, and a man of humble background who flaunts a flashy lifestyle. The book, "Willie Brown", presents a study of a man's contrasts and complexities. This biography neither glorifies nor lambastes its subject. The reader is allowed to thoroughly understand the gray areas between the good and evil which is the human nature of most public figures. We learn about Willie Brown and the events shaping his life and histroy. We learn that Willie Brown sought being the center of attention from childhoold and how this trait was internalized through lifelong quests for leadership. Willie Brown emerged from a life of gambling and nightlife into a life or politics and nightlife. Controversy has followed Willie Brown's life. Branded as both a radical liberal and a conservative coalition builder, Willie Brown has learned that power and personal feelings can change and that these changes can be used for advantage. Readers learn how Willie Brown, upon becoming Speaker of the California House of Representatives, was adept at maintaining power. The author demonstrates that Willie Brown enjoyed political power games more for the sake of power than for setting policy. Willie Brown played the legislative power game very well for a long time. When he finally lost the power game, he exited the legislature by becoming a big city Mayor. This book presents a remarkable study of one of America's most resilient politicians.

Richardson has overlooked no musty archive, no potential interviewee, and no pesty detail in his amazing book about Assemblyman, Speaker, Speaker Emeritus, and now Mayor Brown. An essential read to understand Northern California and California politics from the seventies to the present day.

Jim Richardson not only tells us the compelling story of one of California's most dominant politicians, he also paints a portrait of California politics in the late 20th Century. Richardson's account is crisply written, intelligent and revealing. He uncovers raw history and presents anecdotes that transport the reader right into the backrooms and quiet corridors of power. "Willie Brown" is reminiscent of Robert Caro's treatment of Lyndon Baines Johnson, although Richardson's work is far less repetitive. The book is a must-read for people who want or need to know about the seminal issues of late-20th Century California -- and about the sometimes larger-than-life figures who shaped the debate and influenced policies