From the 1950s through today, no family has defined Chicago more than the Daleys. This prominent Irish-American family from the Bridgeport neighborhood has served in the city's highest office for 43 years. When Richard M. Daley, also known as "Richie", made a surprise announcement in 2011 that he would not seek re-election, he had surpassed his father's record tenure of 21 years in office. Daley: A Retrospective explores the fascinating, storied career of Richard M. Daley: the longest-serving and arguably most important mayor in a city with its own long and storied history.

From Richie's childhood in his father's shadow to his infamous teenaged run-in with the law, this book begins with the earliest years in the life of Richard J. Daley's eldest son. It follows the rise of Daley's political career as a state senator and as the state's attorney through his 1989 election as mayor. The bulk of Daley: A Retrospective focuses on Daley's lengthy imperial reign over Chicago politics, in which he developed his own unique and powerful personality. Transitioning from a perceived simulacrum of his father into one of the most dominant, idiosyncratic, and quotable individuals in American politics, Daley made his name with bold moves. He waged hard-fought battles and forged commanding, if not celebrated, compromises between the multitudes of citywide officials and organizations.

Comprising 60 years of Chicago Tribune reporting, this story is unique to Chicago and told by none better than the reporters, editors, and notable commentators who covered Daley's entire career. Touching on race relations, education, gang violence, crime, environmentalism, gay marriage, local sports, and the murky world of Chicago politics, Daley: A Retrospective is a captivating read. It is the most up-to-date and comprehensive exploration of Mayor Richard M. Daley's legacy, and this book will serve as a significant resource as Daley continues to be reexamined and reevaluated for years to come.