The early years, 1899-1936 -- Early influences -- Emerging into manhood -- Forging the steel -- Turning points -- The Department of Justice years, 1937-1949 -- Some disruptive years -- His greatest mistake -- Beyond the goal -- The president's lawyer -- Juvenile delinquency and the freedom train -- Civil rights : opening a new era -- Cold war fever : national security versus individual freedom -- The 1948 presidential election -- The Supreme Court years, 1949-1967 -- A controversial appointment -- A period of adjustment -- Investigation mania -- A delicate balance -- The Brown decision and civil rights -- Some troublesome issues -- He made a difference -- An ending and a beginning -- Retirement, 1967-1977 -- The great adventure -- The Federal Judicial Center -- Riding the circuits, championing reforms -- Some personal observations -- A life well lived.