Big city boss in depression and war

About this book

The first full-length biography of Edward J. Kelly tells the vivid story of the rough-hewn politician who became one of Chicago's most powerful mayors. With the help of Pat Nash, Mayor Kelly built the Democratic Machine of which Richard J. Daley was to be a chief beneficiary. An enterprising political strategist, Kelly amassed a concentration of political power by drawing traditionally Republican black voters into the Democratic fold, allying the Machine with New Deal policies, and tapping the resources of organized crime.