G-Man

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This major new biography of J. Edgar Hoover draws from previously unseen sources to present a groundbreaking portrait of a figure who shaped half a century of American history and influenced today's conservative political landscape. Initially seen as a dynamic reformer when he became FBI director in 1924, Hoover transformed a scandal-ridden agency into a modern law-enforcement powerhouse, believing in the federal government’s potential to benefit the nation. However, he also excluded many, particularly communists and racial minorities, from his vision of America. His rise to power was marked by the creation of a personal fiefdom, as he remained in control for decades, navigating relationships with eight U.S. presidents, from FDR to LBJ, and fostering a close bond with Richard Nixon. While Hoover employed intimidation and blackmail, he also represented conservative values, including anticommunism and white supremacy, which earned him widespread admiration. His long tenure was sustained by support from various levels of government and grassroots constituents, establishing a template for the political right. This biography repositions Hoover at the center of American political history, illuminating the evolution of governance, policing, race, ideology, and federal power throughout the 20th century.