From his grandfather, a former vice-president of the United States, and his father, a secretary of state in Illinois, young Adlai early absorbed and interest in politics and public service. During the Depression he worked for the New Deal; in World War II he was assistant to the Secretary of the Navy; after the war, his was a key role in the organization of the United Nations. Persuaded to run for Governor of Illinois, his record was so extraordinary, he was drafted to run for another office—opposing Dwight Eisenhower for the Presidency. Though defeated, he became a hero to millions, bringing a new level of wit, intelligence and candor to American politics. No man has more eloquently voiced the ideals of democracy, or better exemplified the finest traditions of public service, than did Adlai Stevenson.

From the book