The World of Mike Royko
Readers starved for Roykoisms since the columnist's 1997 death were treated to one kind of feast six months ago:One More Time, a collection of columns compiled by his wife and journalist friends. A different but equally satisfying nosh awaits fans in this brief, lavishly illustrated biography. Moe, a daily columnist for the Madison (WI)Capital Times, draws on columns and the few interviews Royko gave, as well as his own interviews with family members, friends, and some of Royko's targets, to fill in the details of the Chicago writer's public and private life. Despite its brevity,The World of Mike Roykorings true: many anecdotes beg to be told in Royko's raspy voice, and his friends' concern is palpable when discussing his painful times, like the sudden death of his first wife Carol when both Roykos were in their 40s. There will no doubt be more comprehensive biographies written down the road; in the meantime, Moe's stories and exclusive pictures recall the best of Royko.Mary Carroll