U.S. At War: Men Around Byrnes

In his first week as U.S. economic czar of World War II, small, shrewd James F. Byrnes worked smoothly, feverishly—but behind closed doors. He issued a few routine orders. But most of the time he was feeling his way. With his small staff—private secretary, two attorneys, four stenographers—he moved into new offices in the just-completed East Wing of the White House. He conferred often and late with Franklin Roosevelt.

In the hollow of Jimmy Byrnes's hand lies the fate of the U.S. war economy. Fortunately it is a competent hand, firm, fair and facile....