As the book's title suggests, Alan Greenspan, chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, is probably the world's most powerful financial figure. Tuccille, a financial writer and biographer (Rupert Murdoch; Trump), covers Greenspan's life from his 1926 birth through early 2002. He recounts Greenspan's close relationship with his mother after his parents' divorce, his two marriages, and his affinity for both mathematics and music. Although he played jazz professionally, Greenspan chose to follow his mathematical side and made a career in economics. After years in the private sector, he moved into government service as an advisor to presidents Nixon and Ford before President Reagan appointed him Federal Reserve Chairman in 1987, a job he has held ever since. Perhaps the most interesting details presented here are Greenspan's early involvement with Ayn Rand, his libertarian views on a limited government, and the flexibility he has maintained in his economic thought, which has allowed him to adjust to both differing market conditions and politicians. Tuccille's biography would be a useful addition to most academic and public libraries. For a more detailed look at Greenspan's years at the Fed, up to 2000, reader s should consider Bob Woodward's Maestro: Greenspan's Fed and the American Boom. --Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ. Lib., Erie, PA -
Library Journal, November 1, 2002"...Tuccile's book explores in some details the lives of those who have exerted their influence upon Alan Greenspan..." - City to Cities, March/April 2003