Washington lawyer, campaign manager, Democratic National Committee chair, Secretary of Commerce, and kingmaker, Ronald Harmon Brown was one of the most complex and intriguing Americans of the twentieth century. Brown understood America?s power and her promise, and he mastered the art of winning. Steven A. Holmes tells the complete story of the man perhaps who, more than any other, epitomized the transformation of political, economic, and social power in America.

He charts the rise of this gifted politician as he deftly navigated the crosscurrents of race and power. And, with the help of in-depth interviews with Washington insiders who knew Brown well, he provides telling insights into Brown?s private struggles and ambitions, while recovering powerful lessons of his life.