Fiorello H. LaGuardia
Tagged a "lower case Frank Roosevelt" and a "sawed off Mussolini," La Guardia left a larger mark upon the New York mayoralty than anyone before or since. Eight biographies attest to that, alongside a half-dozen books of lesser scope, not to mention an autobiography, children's books, and a musical. Kessner has topped them all with a biography covering La Guardia's entire life (unlike most of the other books), skillfully enhancing the existing record with interviews, archival work, and a reading of the contemporary press. While reporting failure in fiscal policy, organized crime, and other areas, Kessner is mainly an admirer of the man who "forged a modern unified city." In a year when La Guardia's most colorful successor has again faced the voters (and lost in the primary), this is highly recommended for all types of libraries.- Robert F. Nardini, N. Chichester, N.H.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.