- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
-
Anonymous
Posted October 8, 2001
Where have all the Titans gone?
I am a political junkie and a history buff and as someone who has always greatly admired Tip O'Neill it was natural that I read this book. But my admiration for O'Neill only grew after my reading John A. Farrell's masterful biography. Not only is the book the story of one remarkable man's memorable life, it is also - most importantly - the story of an age. An age when men stood on principle and never forgot where they were or where they came from. An age when politicians were no less partisan, but were respectfully so. An age where leaders disagreed but didn't seek to destroy one another personally. Farrell's writing style is lucid, his organization of the facts is beautifully laid-out, and his portraits of the players of that time is engrossing (especially his fair and balanced appraisal of the O'Neill-Reagan relationship). A facinating aspect of the book is how Farrel chronicles the rise of of the modern Republican party and the demise of the New Deal coalition. Farrel captures the social divisions that tore the Democratic Party apart; a rift that caused the party to drift away from its base - middle to lower class, ethnic, blue collar, social traditionalists (the constiuency of Tip O'Neill). In doing so, the author chronicles Tip O'Neill's extraordinary leadership and statesmenship skills at keeping a rupturing coalition together all the while struggling to stay true to his core, Irish Catholic traditional beliefs and the old politics of his youth. After finishing this book I longed for a return to the days of men like O'Neill who brought honor to the profession of politics. His kind is sorely missed! America needs more Tip O'Neills and Ronald Reagans and fewer Newt Gingrichs. Highly recommended for all biography lovers and those who enjoy a great read - Democrat or Republican!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted August 2, 2001
A Well Deserved Tribute to an Icon
Tip O'Neill remains one of the giants (both in physical and personal attributes) in the pantheon of American public life. This book captures with some detail the role Tip O'Neill played in the shaping of the post World War II nation. Where has Tip O'Neill gone? And where have leaders like him disapeared to? We are in need of someone like him. Gingrich, Hastert, DeLay and Armey are miserable replacements for someone as great as O'Neill. I am sure somewhere Tip is looking down and wishing he was back.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged. -
Anonymous
Posted March 15, 2001
FANTASTIC!
Having met the Speaker during research for my MA thesis, I was glad to see that he recieved such a fair treatment in this book. Farrell weaves a story full of strength and pathos...Highly Recommended!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.