William Marcy Tweed: 'Boss' of New York

William Marcy Tweed was a big man at 300 pounds, a charming, garrulous man whose personality matched his girth. He could disarm the most disagreeable person; few could resist his charms. And like most big men, Tweed had a big appetite, but his craving was not just for food; it was for money and power. In a span of just five years, Tweed amassed both and became the "boss" of New York. However, he gained his wealth through graft, greed and corruption, at times unfortunate staples of American politics and economic life. Madoff and Ponzi are classic examples of criminals who vandalized American pockets with remarkable agility and panache. "Boss" Tweed was the arcehtypical case of political corruption at the highest level, brazenly vandalizing public coffers without remorse or conscience. Award-winning author Daniel Alef tells "Boss" Tweed's remarkable story, a life of plundering of New York's wealth and his ultimate disgrace, downfall and destruction. [1,401-word Titans of Fortune article]