In the second volume of Roger Daniels two-volume biogrphy, the author focuses on Franklin Delano Roosevelt's growing mastery in foreign affairs as the world was poised on the brink of war. Relying on FDR's own words to the American people and eyewitness accounts of the man and his accomplishments, Daniels portrays a chief executive orchestrating an immense wartime effort, directing the creation of an Arsenal of Democracy that armed the Allies, while inventing the United Nations to ensure a lasting postwar peace. FDR achieved these aims while expanding general prosperity, limiting inflation, and continuing liberal reform in the face of an increaingly conservative and hostile Congress. Although his death denied him the chance to see the war's end, events in the former year of the war assured him that the victory he had done so much to bring about would not be long delayed.

Reform, neutrality, and war, 1939 -- Beginning an undeclared war, 1939-40 -- Breaking precedents in war and politics, 1940 -- Winning an election, addressing the world, 1940 -- Sailing toward war, 1941 -- The last days of peace, 1941 -- A war presidency, Pearl Harbor to Midway, 1941-42 -- Taking the offensive, 1942 -- Advancing on all fronts, 1943 -- Waiting for D-Day, 1943-44 -- The last campaign, 1944 -- The final triumph, 1945.