America’s Mayor

This book explores John V. Lindsay's impactful yet controversial mayorship in New York City, highlighting his ambitious reforms and the challenges he faced.

In America’s Mayor, John V. Lindsay's tenure as the mayor of New York City is examined through the lens of his ambitious goals and the tumultuous backdrop of the 1960s. Elected in 1965, Lindsay promised to eradicate apathy and corruption, aiming to restore governance to a city grappling with civil rights movements, antiwar protests, and significant demographic shifts. His administration became synonymous with a vibrant yet chaotic period in American history, marked by the struggles for equality and the changing landscape of urban life.

The book delves into Lindsay's efforts to revolutionize urban planning, as he sought to transform New York into a livable and enjoyable space. While some of his initiatives succeeded in improving city services and prioritizing community needs, others were met with resistance and failure. America’s Mayor presents a balanced view of Lindsay's legacy, highlighting both his achievements and the challenges he faced, all within the context of a nation undergoing profound cultural upheaval.

Edited by Sam Roberts, this collection features original essays from notable contributors and personal reflections from contemporaries like Jimmy Breslin and Mario Cuomo. Richly illustrated, America’s Mayor invites readers to reconsider Lindsay's complex legacy and the dynamics that shaped his time in office, providing insights into how he navigated one of New York City's most vibrant and challenging eras.