The Second Most Powerful Man in the World: The Life of Admiral William D. Leahy, Roosevelt's Chief of Staff

O'Brien (strategic studies, Univ. of St Andrews, Scotland) portrays the life of Adm. William D. Leahy (1875–1959), whose influence on World War II is largely forgotten. A career U.S. Navy officer, Leahy became President Franklin D. Roosevelt's chief of staff, later continuing in that same role under Harry Truman. Leahy was instrumental in nearly all important diplomatic and military decisions made during the conflict, with both presidents relying on his knowledge, integrity, and level-headed decision-making in determining the best outcomes. Leahy became Roosevelt's representative when the president was too ill or weak to appear in person and often traveled with the leaders on vacation. O'Brien sees Leahy as more prominent than army chief of staff George C. Marshall. If the book has any faults, it lacks significant criticism of Leahy. Still, this is an excellent biography of perhaps the most notable navy officer in American history, and one of the most important, if neglected, figures in World War II history.