This classic work offers the unblushing, unvarnished wit and wisdom of one of the most fascinating figures ever to play the American political game and win. George Washington Plunkitt rose from impoverished beginnings to become ward boss of the Fifteenth Assembly District in New York, a key player in the powerhouse political team of Tammany Hall, and a millionaire.
In a series of utterly frank talks given at his headquarters at Graziano’s bootblack stand inside the New York County Court House, he revealed to a sharp-eared and sympathetic reporter named William L. Riordon the secrets of political success as practiced and perfected by Tammany Hall titans.
The result is not only a volume that reveals more about our political system than does a shelf load of civics textbooks, but also an irresistible portrait of a man who would feel happily at home playing ball with today’s lobbyists and kingmakers, trading votes for political and financial favors.
Doing for twentieth-century America what Machiavelli did for Renaissance Italy, and as entertaining as it is instructive, Plunkitt of Tammany Hall is essential reading for those who prefer twenty-twenty vision to rose-colored glasses in viewing how our government works and why.
Introduction by Peter Quinn
Preface by William L. Riordon
A Tribute by Charles F. Murphy
Honest Graft and Dishonest Graft
How to Become a Statesman
The Curse of Civil Service Reform
Reformers Only Mornin' Glories
New York City Is Pie for the Hayseeds
To Hold Your District: Study Human Nature and Act Accordin'
On The Shame of the Cities
Ingratitude in Politics
Reciprocity in Patronage
Brooklynites Natural-Born Hayseeds
Tammany Leaders Not Bookworms
Dangers of the Dress Suit in Politics
On Municipal Ownership
Tammany the Only Lastin' Democracy
Concerning Gas in Politics
Plunkitt's Fondest Dream
Tammany's Patriotism
On the Use of Money in Politics
The Successful Politician Does Not Drink
Bosses Preserve the Nation
Concerning Excise
A Parting Word on the Future of the Democratic Party in America
Strenuous Life of the Tammany District Leader
