Sly and Able: A Political Biography of James F. Byrnes

By David Robertson

Book Overview

Few political figures have had as long, as varied and as consequential a career in American history as Jimmy Byrnes. This master politician and self-made man served for half a century, as congressman and later as key New Deal senator fom his native South Carolina; as Supreme Court justice; as assistant president during the Second World War; as Truman's secretary of state in the early years of the Cold War; and, finally, as governor of South Carolina. He came tantalisingly close to the American presidency and was a key participant in the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. In later years he was a seminal figure in the so-called Southern Strategy that brought Richard Nixon to the White House. For his shrewdness and mastery of the art of politics Byrnes earned the sobriquet sly and able. He was surely both - and one of the key shapers of American politics in this century.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393033678
• ISBN13: 9780393033670
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 639 Pages
• Weight: 2.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

All in One Lifetime

An excellent, thoughtful account of one of the most versatile and underrated American statesmen of the twentieth century. As is noted toward the end of the book, Jimmy Byrnes started out his political life as a Progressive-era Democratic reformer and ended it as an unofficial senior advisor to Richard Nixon. To learn about the kind of careful, brilliant political positioning that would make a transformation like THAT possible, I would strongly encourage you to read the book.

Excellent Biography of James F. Byrnes

Political biographies are difficult to write and oftentimes more difficult to read. David Robertson's biography of James F. Byrnes is rich in detail, history, and brings alive the character of many prominent political figures. James F. Byrnes served as a Congressman, United States Senator, and Governor of South Carolina as well as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Secretary of State under Harry S. Truman, and "Assistant President" to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Brynes's autobiography was appropriately titled, "All In One Lifetime". Robertson has skillfully described the political life of Byrnes who rightfully enjoyed a reputation as one of the most crafty powerbrokers in the country. Byrnes's career stretched from just after the turn of the century until leaving office as Governor in 1955. Brynes remained extremely influential in South Carolina, helping to push the Palmetto State towards the Republican party, despite his having held office as a Democrat. Robertson beautifully illustrates not only Byrnes, but a host of personalities including FDR, Truman, and South Carolina personages such as racist Governor and Brynes foe Coley Blease. Any student of history should certainly read "Sly and Able". Those who are interested in history, South Carolina, politics, government, or the struggle for equality and civil rights will surely find David Robertson's biography of James F. Byrnes a rewarding experience