A proponent of privatization since the late 1960s, Savas (City U. of New York-Baruch College) examines privatization efforts in nine large US cities. In particular, he identifies, documents, and evaluates New York City's privatization program under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Savas analyzes the successful, thwarted, and failed efforts in New York, concluding that significant savings were achieved with privatization during Giuliani's administration. As a case study, Savas looks in detail at privatization of New York parks and recreation department. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)