Miami and the Siege of Chicago

by Norman Mailer
Miami and the Siege of Chicago cover
Good Books rating 4.23
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 9406
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780241340547
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-11-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Miami, Summer 1968. The Vietnam War is raging, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bobby Kennedy have left the nation reeling. The Republican Party convenes in Miami, nominating Richard Nixon with little excitement. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's choice of Hubert Humphrey as their candidate ignites a firestorm. The city of Chicago becomes a battleground as antiwar protesters clash with police, who respond with brutal force, all captured live on television. This gripping account, penned by one of America's sharpest intellectuals, delves into the political and social turmoil of the era, offering a vivid portrayal of a nation at a crossroads./n/nThe book provides a detailed and unflinching look at the events leading up to and during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It explores the tensions between the antiwar movement and the establishment, the media's role in broadcasting the unrest, and the broader implications of the political climate on American society. Through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis, the author captures the essence of a pivotal moment in U.S. history, making it a compelling read for those interested in political history and social movements.

Reviews
BooksPlea.se · 2025-12-24
masterful 4.50

The reviewer describes Mailer's account as a masterful snapshot of the 1968 presidential conventions, capturing the turbulence of the sixties. They appreciate the detailed reporting and the historical context provided.

A reviewer on BooksPlea.se praises Norman Mailer's 'Miami and the Siege of Chicago' as a masterful account of the 1968 presidential conventions. They highlight Mailer's ability to capture the political and social turmoil of the era, offering a detailed and insightful look at the events. The reviewer appreciates the historical context provided, making the book a valuable read for those interested in understanding the turbulent 1960s. They suggest that Mailer's work is a compelling blend of journalism and personal reflection, providing a unique perspective on the conventions.

Quick quotes

    Mailer's masterful account of the 1968 presidential conventions, a snapshot of sixties turbulence.

    The book is a compelling blend of journalism and personal reflection, providing a unique perspective on the conventions.

    Mailer's ability to capture the political and social atmosphere of the era is commendable.

Amazon · Anonymous · 2025-12-24
brilliant 4.20

The reviewer enjoyed Mailer's take on the GOP convention in Miami more than the chaotic events in Chicago, finding his insights brilliant. They appreciate the detailed reporting and the historical context provided.

An anonymous reviewer on Amazon shares their experience with Norman Mailer's 'Miami and the Siege of Chicago'. They particularly enjoyed Mailer's coverage of the GOP convention in Miami, finding it more engaging than the chaotic Democratic Convention in Chicago. The reviewer praises Mailer's brilliant insights and detailed reporting, which provide a rich historical context. They highlight Mailer's ability to capture the political and social atmosphere of the 1968 conventions, making the book a valuable read for those interested in the era.

Quick quotes

    I actually think I enjoyed certain parts of his take on the mild and orderly GOP convention in Miami more than I did the mess in Chicago.

    Mailer had a brilliant way of capturing the political and social atmosphere of the 1968 conventions.

    The book provides a rich historical context, making it a valuable read for those interested in the era.

Commentary Magazine · Peter Shaw · 2025-12-24
insightful 4.00

The reviewer finds Mailer's account of the 1968 conventions insightful, noting his unique perspective and the benefit of his absence from key events. They appreciate his detailed reporting and the historical context provided.

Peter Shaw delves into Norman Mailer's coverage of the 1968 presidential conventions, highlighting Mailer's distinctive viewpoint. Shaw notes that Mailer's absence from certain key events, such as the chaotic Democratic Convention in Chicago, actually enhanced his reporting. Mailer's ability to capture the political and social turmoil of the era is praised, offering a nuanced look at the events. Shaw suggests that Mailer's work provides a valuable snapshot of the tumultuous 1960s, making it a compelling read for those interested in political history.

Quick quotes

    This time, significantly, Mailer saw few of the intellectuals and missed most of the spectacular action in Chicago and all of it in Miami, much to the benefit of his book.

    Mailer's account is a masterful blend of journalism and personal reflection, offering a unique perspective on the conventions.

    The book provides a valuable snapshot of the turbulent 1960s, making it a compelling read for those interested in political history.

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