Frank Hague served as the mayor of Jersey City for much of the early twentieth century. While some believed him a thief, others viewed him as a modern-day Robin Hood. He could put food on your table or triple your taxes, give you a job or end your career. It was with this same ease and power that he could make you a federal judge, a congressman or even a United States senator. He has been remembered as one of the most corrupt politicians of the century. But in this biography, Leonard Vernon reexamines Hague’s deeds, prompting a new understanding of his life and the memory of politicians of the era.
Frank Hague served as the mayor of Jersey City for much of the early twentieth century. While some believed him a thief, others viewed him as a modern-day Robin Hood. He could put food on your table or triple your taxes, give you a job or end your career. It was with this same ease and power that he could make you a federal judge, a congressman or even a United States senator. He has been remembered as one of the most corrupt politicians of the century. But in this biography, Leonard Vernon reexamines Hague’s deeds, prompting a new understanding of his life and the memory of politicians of the era.