Title
The Second Most Powerful Man in the World: The Life of Admiral William D. Leahy, Roosevelt's Chief of Staff,Used
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The life of Franklin Roosevelt's most trusted and powerful advisor, Admiral William D. Leahy, Chief of Staff to the CommanderinChiefO'Brien's biography at last gives Leahy his due.John Lewis Gaddis Fascinating greatly enriches our understanding of Washington wartime power.Madeleine Albright Beautifully written and thoroughly researched.Douglas Brinkley Transforms our understanding of America's wartime decisionmaking.Hew StrachanAside from FDR, no American did more to shape World War II than Admiral William D. Leahynot Douglas MacArthur, not Dwight Eisenhower, and not even the legendary George Marshall. No man, including Harry Hopkins, was closer to Roosevelt, nor had earned his blind faith, like Leahy. Through the course of the war, constantly at the president's side and advising him on daily decisions, Leahy became the second most powerful man in the world.In a time of titanic personalities, Leahy regularly downplayed his influence, preferring the substance of power to the style. A sternfaced, salty sailor, his U.S. Navy career had begun as a cadet aboard a sailing ship. Four decades later, Admiral Leahy was a trusted friend and advisor to the president and his ambassador to Vichy France until the attack on Pearl Harbor. Needing one person who could help him grapple with the enormous strategic consequences of the war both at home and abroad, Roosevelt made Leahy the first presidential chief of staffthough Leahy's role embodied far more power than the position of today.Leahy's profound power was recognized by figures like Stalin and Churchill, yet historians have largely overlooked his role. In this important biography, historian Phillips Payson O'Brien illuminates the admiral's influence on the most crucial and transformative decisions of WWII and the early Cold War. From the invasions of North Africa, Sicily, and France, to the allocation of resources to fight Japan, O'Brien contends that America's war largely unfolded according to Leahy's vision. Among the author's surprising revelations is that while FDR's health failed, Leahy became almost a de facto president, making decisions while FDR was too ill to work, and that much of his influence carried over to Truman's White House.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has five hundred sixty pages. It provides an in-depth look at Admiral William D. Leahy's life and influence.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is paperback. This makes it lightweight and easy to handle for extended reading sessions.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point nine nine inches in length, one point two six inches in width, and nine point zero nine inches in height. These dimensions make it a convenient size for bookshelves and portability.
- Q: Who is the author of the book? A: The author is Phillips Payson O'Brien. He is known for his historical insights and thorough research.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book belongs to the World War I genre. It explores historical events and figures related to that period.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: Yes, this book is suitable for mature young readers, particularly those interested in history. However, parental guidance is advised due to complex themes.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: To read effectively, approach it in sections, focusing on key figures and events. Taking notes can help retain important information.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for history enthusiasts? A: Yes, this book is an excellent choice for history enthusiasts. It provides valuable insights into Admiral Leahy's role in World War II.
- Q: Can I use this book for academic purposes? A: Yes, this book can be used for academic purposes. Its detailed research and analysis make it a reliable source for historical studies.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. This will help preserve its condition and prevent damage.
- Q: Is the book durable for frequent use? A: Yes, the paperback binding is durable for frequent use, though care should be taken to avoid bending or tearing the pages.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers offer customer support for such issues.
- Q: Can I return the book if I'm not satisfied? A: Yes, you can typically return the book if you're not satisfied. Check the seller's return policy for specific instructions.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: No, books typically do not come with a warranty. However, customer satisfaction policies may apply.
- Q: What should I do if I have questions about the book? A: If you have questions, refer to the publisher's website or contact customer support for more information.