George Washington Plunkitt

About the Author

George Washington Plunkitt was a prominent figure in New York City's Tammany Hall political machine during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as a state senator and district leader known for his unapologetic defense of machine politics. Born in 1842 in what is now Central Park, Plunkitt rose from humble beginnings as a butcher's son to become a master of practical governance, amassing wealth through savvy real estate deals and influence peddling. His candid insights into the inner workings of urban politics were captured in 'Plunkitt of Tammany Hall: A Series of Very Plain Talks on Very Practical Politics,' a collection of interviews that reveal his philosophy of 'honest graft' versus corrupt practices. Plunkitt's legacy endures as a colorful chronicler of American political realism, offering timeless lessons on power, patronage, and the art of the deal in democratic systems.