Who was the real Ron Brown? Washington lawyer, secretary of Commerce, presidential king maker, deal maker, maverick, icon-one of the most intriguing and complex personalities of the twentieth century. He rose from segregated Harlem to the top levels of American politics. He broke every stereotype of race and class and mastered the art of winning in a world in transition. At the height of his game, when he had honed his skills, he would transform the way the game of politics was played.

With bold and incisive reporting, New York Times journalist Steven A. Holmes recovers the lessons of Ron Brown’s life. Holmes reveals not only who Brown was but exactly how he arrived at the nexus of power.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOUR GENERATIONS (1894 - 1979).
Transitional Man.
Out of the South.
Theresa’s Child.
Twilight’s School.
The Army.
The League.
Homecoming.
THE VIEW (1979 - 1988).
Kennedy.
The Player.
Jesse.
THE DEAL (1988 - 1996).
The Races We Win.
Such a Bloody Mess.
From the Courthouse to the White House.
Victory.
Triumphs and Troubles.
Transitional World.
Epilogue.
Bibliography.
Index.