Preface [excerpt] [James Francis] Byrnes was a powerful politician who directly influenced major decisions during World War II and the beginnings of the Cold War. Throughout this period, little was known about the role that Byrnes played. However, through the use of monographs, diaries, and government documents, the impact that Byrnes had can now be pieced together. The first chapter[, "The Beginning Years,"] provides a background on Byrnes's life, influences, and jobs in and out of...