"A probing, insightful look into the structure and dynamics of power in San Francisco; a vade mecum for the politics of the future." --Joseph L. Alioto, Former Mayor of San Francisco "A city fortunate enough to attract the attention of Fred Wirt will know much more about the basic decision making that produced is present vitality and its potions for the future." --Richard G. Lugar, Mayor of City of Indianapolis "In a single volume, we have the political history of the city, anecdotal material about recent politcal events, and a serious and largely successful effort to apply political science theories in an analysis of the colorful politics of a colorful city. Furthermore, Frederick Wirt does it all in a readable style." --Charles R. Adrian, University of California, Riverside "Frederick Wirt's literate account of a contemporary urban politcal system should find a ready audience among students of the subject and among the citizens of San Francisco who want to know how they are governed." --Oliver P. Williams, University of Pennsylvania