Little Flower: The Life and Times of Fiorello LA Guardia

by Lawrence Elliott

During Fiorello LaGuardia's 12 years as mayor of New York City, he provided what may have been the best reform government in American municipal history. He used his office to rescue a city burdened by the Depression and WW II.

Lawrence Elliott's biography of this mercurial son of Italian immigrants reveals the mayor as a hot-tempered and colorful man, but one of character and courage.

"This lively biography, rich in anecdote, not only profiles LaGuardia himself, but also provides a fascinating look at the times in which he lived." (B-O-T Editorial Review Board)

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Vincent Lombardo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very frustrating to read. Although I learned some things about La Guardia, the writing was uneven, Elliott often went back and forth in time, and he often provided quotes that were too long. The book was often repetitive. Astoundingly, Elliott devoted 84% of the book to La Guardia's life before he was first elected mayor in 1933, and only 16% to his life as mayor, and he discussed La Guardia's mayoralty in a cursory fashion.

[Matt Cantillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A mediocre biography of Fiorello LaGuardia, who revolutionized New York politics.