Basic Brown: My Life and Our Times

By Willie L. Brown

Book Overview

ToThe Washington Post, he's "The Last Political Showman of the 20th Century."Bill Clinton has called him "the real Slick Willie."Ronald Reagan's secretary of state George Shultz called this famously liberal politician "a man of his word" and endorsed his successful candidacy for mayor of San Francisco.Indeed Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton both called upon him for advice and help. He is Willie L. Brown, Jr., and he knows how to get things done in politics, how to work both sides of the aisle to get results. Compared to him, Machiavelli looks meek. And drab.InBasic Brown, this product of rural, segregated Texas and the urban black neighborhoods of San Francisco tells how he rose through the civil rights movement to become the most potent black politician in America through his shrewd understanding and use of political power and political money. He adapts the lessons he has learned so they can be used by anyone -- black, female, male -- intent on acquiring political power.And this master of the political deal demonstrates why deals are not enough, and that political power grows only when public good is being done. Willie Brown shows how some of the most far-reaching and socially advanced legislation in American history -- like gun control, legalized abortion, gay rights, and school funding -- was carried out under his guidance and on his watch, and tells of the ingenuity, the political machinations, and the personal perseverance that were required to enact what now seems to many to be obvious legislation. These are stories of breathtaking, sometimes hilarious ruses and gambits that show that even the most high-minded legislation needs the assistance of the skills of a shark, which is what Willie Brown often sees himself as.Basic Brownis a compendium of insights and stories on the real forces governing power in American political life that will leave you looking at politics anew. It is also the inspiring and funny story of the rise of a gawky teenager in mail-order shoes and trousers who rose to entertain royalty and schoolchildren, superstars and supersize egos, the saintly and the scholarly, while working to transform and open American politics. If you ever wanted to learn how to be slick, a shark, a do-gooder, and a man of your word, Willie L. Brown, Jr., is the storyteller for you.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 074329081X
• ISBN13: 9780743290814
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.3" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Amazing Willie Brown!

I always thought that Willie Brown was amazing, but Basic Brown shows that he is far more amazing than I could have imagined. I love the book! I originally borrowed it from the public library, but now I must have my own copy. My close friends share my views on the book. We love discussing, laughing about and learning so much from Basic Brown. May Willie Brown stay on the job for a long, long time to come!

Self-Aggrandizing, One-sided, and Immensely Entertaining

Basic Brown is, without question, the most entertaining and engaging political autobiography I've ever read. Willie Brown is a political animal extraordinaire, and on every page he revels in the intrigue and dealmaking, the pomp and circumatance, and the sheer fun of big time politics. The book is loaded with many memorable antecdotes that not only place Willie Brown front and center in California politics of the last 40 years, but teach pithy lessons about the nature of modern politics. Throughout the narrative, Willie Brown is always right. He's always the most skilled, best dressed, most adroit politician in the room, whether it's in the backrooms and august chambers of the Capitol in Sacramento, or in San Francisco City Hall. Willie Brown often refers to himself in the third person, and wears his massive political ego on his sleeve. But his prose never gets long winded or boring. And, through it all, the reader gets a behind the scenes glimpse into how a master of modern politics plays The Game. Willie Brown came to San Franscico as a poor, undereducated teenager from the segregated south. Through the sheer force of this personality, and his shrewd intelligence he made his way to Speaker of the California Assembly and, later, Mayor of San Francisco. Luckily for us, he has no qualms about sharing his insights, unfettered and unvarnished, so that the rest of us can learn from the Master. What a terrific book.

Hardly Basic

Willie Brown, the unshakable Speaker of the House in California and then Mayor of San Francisco is one wild and crazy guy. I'm sure his off the cuff remarks and detailed recounting of political shenanigans will anger about as many as they amuse, but for the casual reader this is a very interesting glimpse into the world of politics. I'll never read coverage about the simple passage of a bill again without wondering what went on behind the scenes. Willie Brown was a gift to San Francisco who only expects everyone else to be as proud of the City as he is. PJ Corkerey has done a fine job of capturing Brown's energy and wit.

Very entertaining, lots of great information

You will not find many people with political views more opposite from Willie Brown's than me. However, regardless of your political views, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in politics at all levels - city, state and national. I sure have enjoyed it. Willie Brown has clearly mastered the art of power. If you have read books like Robert Greene's "48 Laws of Power," then as you read Willie's book, you will recognize that Willie has mastered probably all 48 of those laws and then some that didn't make it into either book. As a master of the game of obtaining and exercising power, it would be very wise to listen to and learn from this man. Willie also offers many fascinating stories about all sorts of incidents from recounting his experience the day George Moscone was shot to how he got Reagan to sign legislation legalizing abortion in CA. You get a really cool glimpse into some of what goes on behind the scenes. Like him or not, he is a big part of California (and even national) history, and he has some great stories and advice. This book is particularly valuable for anyone looking to get into politics as he offers advice specifically for such folks. I can't believe I'm saying this, but coming from an extremely politically conservative guy, I heartily recommend this book written by a pretty far-left man.

Wish we didn't have term limits in California..... Great read

Maybe you have to be a Californian to truly appreciate the book and Willie Brown, but I hope not, because there is something so refreshing about a politician who walks his talk, owns his words and doesn't pretend to be something or someone he is not. Yes, Da Mayor and former speaker of the California state government is flamboyant and classy and fun. Be he also never forgets where he came from and just how fortunate he is. And if I do say so he has some great advise or wisdom for those young people who are in public office or want to be, about being authentic, focused and not wishy washy. San Francisco during his reign as Mayor were some of the best years the city ever had. He brought a vibrancy to the city and he brought much needed altruism and humanity to the city which is spelled out in the book. Something the city and the state of California both dearly need again. And an example of why term limits aren't always good.