Reviews and Endorsements
Publishers Weekly: “Koeneman’s profile is a highly focused history of a 20th-century metropolis and a compelling biography of the family that shaped it for nearly half a century.” Read the full review.
Dick Simpson, author, professor, and former Chicago alderman: “First Son recounts an important era of Chicago’s history ruled over by one of its most powerful mayors. It is a nuanced picture of Mayor Richard M. Daley with all his contradictions and triumphs, failings and successes. Keith Koeneman concludes that ‘history’s judgment [will be] that Daley’s achievements … outweighed his mistakes.’ Whether one agrees or not, First Son should be read by all who care about the city, its history, and its politics.”
Andy Shaw, executive director, Better Government Association: “Koeneman captures the arc of Daley’s reign perfectly—its early successes and later failures, its mix of volatility and insecurity, and the evolution of an insular Democratic-machine prince from Bridgeport into a powerful leader who learned to coexist with intellectuals, culture buffs, and titans of business to build a world-class city.… A must-read if you care about Chicago.”
News Stories
Greg Hinz’s pre-publication story on his On Politics blog for Crain’s Chicago Business.
Pre-publication story by Steve Edwards at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio.
