MR. NEW YORK

by Grover Whalen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 17, 1955

The title for Grover Whalen's autobiography calls its author by his rightful name, for during the years as official host for the biggest city in the land Whalen has indeed become Mr. New York. The account is untouched by sophistication. However it is touched by the vigour and enthusiasm of a man who has loved every minute of his busy, glamorous life. A generation removed from his family's homeland- Galway, Ireland- Whalen grew up on the Lower East Side though not in the school of too hard knocks. He inherited a sunny, humorous disposition which stood him in good stead through his years at the New York Law School and his first job at Wanamakers where he was to become general manager. In the mean time Whalen entered politics by becoming Mayor Hylan's secretary; then under Jimmy Walker he held the job of Police Commissioner during the early years of the depression. Entering then on his job as official host, Whalen became even more closely connected with famous people and events. Interest led him to a behind the scenes position in early aviation; he planned the New York World's Fair, making a trip to Europe to persuade the Italians to participate and he urged Howard Hughes to connect his round the world test flight to the project too. Through all the headline making happenings are the headline making personalities too- the King and Queen of England, Fiorello La Guardia, the Eisenhowers, MacArthur, Lindbergh and Winston Churchill. These reminiscences of Manhattan's ambassador of good will, who believes his city is the best place on earth, should spread their good will too.

Pub Date: Nov. 17, 1955

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1955

Categories: NONFICTION