Description

Though Anna Rosenberg emerged from modest immigrant beginnings equipped with only a high school education she was the real power behind national policies critical to America winning the war and prospering afterwards Astonishingly her story remains largely forgotten

With a disarming mix of charm and Tammanyhewn toughness Rosenberg began her career in public relations in 1920s Manhattan As FDRs unofficial adviser Rosenberg soon wielded enormous influenceno less potent for being subtle Her extraordinary career continued after his death

By 1950 she was tapped to become the assistant secretary of defensethe highest position ever held by a woman in the US militaryprompting Senator Joe McCarthy to wage an unsuccessful smear campaign against her Until the end of her life Rosenberg fought tirelessly for causes from racial integration to womens equality to national healthcare

More than the story of one remarkable woman The Confidante explores who gets to be at the forefront of history and why In this inspiring impeccably researched and revelatory book Christopher C Gorham at last affords Anna Rosenberg the recognition she so richly deserves