The City: On Community and Politics

Chicago, a city with a history of mob violence and Machine politics, provides a turbulent setting for serious political thought. The genre of philosophical dialogue, long thought to be moribund, comes alive as Chicago’s patronage system, the guts of its politics, are laid open to careful, thoughtful analysis.

The story of The City, set in 1976 Chicago, boils and twists through those turbulent times. It was an era when basic ideas of democracy, essential elements of human relationships, and even the rules of romance were changing.

Probe beyond the media circus surrounding the players at the top of the political heap. Look at the real people making things happen every day. Look at governmental services that seem so mundane they’re invisible until they don’t work. Reflected you’ll see the shapes and colors of real life.

Agree or disagree with the conclusions, but The City will make you stop and think about prejudices you have held about how politics works. And about some of the players who have appeared on the stage of political life. This book is about encouraging a renewal of thinking and talking about serious issues, philosophical issues. The City offers a thrilling ride to get there.