Shogan recounts how Truman outgrew the bigotry of his Jackson County upbringing to become the first president since Lincoln to attempt to redress the nation's long history of injustice toward its black citizens-- and in the process transformed the course of race relations in America. Truman ordered the integration of the armed forces and threw the weight of the Justice Department behind the long struggle against segregation in housing and education. Shogan points out the political and personal factors that motivated the president and weighs the potential political costs and benefits of his civil rights actions.

The president's dilemma -- Facing the century -- The boss's apprentice -- Back from the dead -- Road to the top -- The turning point -- More than a dream -- Running from behind -- The upset -- Freedom to serve -- Friends of the court -- Legacy.