Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: a series of very plain talks on very practical politics, delivered by ex-Senator George Washington Plunkitt, the Tammany philosopher, from his rostrum—the New York County court house bootblack stand; Recorded by William L. Riordon

Name: Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: a series of very plain talks on very practical politics, delivered by ex-Senator George Washington Plunkitt, the Tammany philosopher, from his rostrum—the New York County court house bootblack stand; Recorded by William L. Riordon
Author: George Washington Plunkitt

By George Washington Plunkitt

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About This Book

A collection of plainspoken talks by a Tammany Hall district leader that explains practical machine politics, distinguishing honest graft from dishonest graft and defending patronage as an instrument of power. It outlines concrete tactics for winning and holding districts—recruiting through social clubs, delivering jobs and favors, and attending to immediate neighborhood needs—while criticizing civil service reform and proposing municipal ownership only under conditions that preserve local control. The essays reflect on party loyalty, electoral strategy, and the routine mechanics of urban political life, delivered in colloquial, anecdotal prose that emphasizes pragmatic action over reformist theory.

About the Author

George Washington Plunkitt

George Washington Plunkitt was an American politician and a prominent member of Tammany Hall, the Democratic political machine in New York City during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for his candid and practical approach to politics, Plunkitt gained notoriety through his book "Plunkitt of Tammany Hall," which offers a series of straightforward talks on the inner workings of political life and the nature of graft. His insights reflect the political culture of his time, emphasizing the importance of practical politics over idealism. Plunkitt's unique perspective as a political insider provides valuable historical context to the era's governance and electoral practices.