What is this book about?
This autobiography details John Hay's experiences over four decades, from his early career in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, through his appointment as Secretary of State under President Roosevelt, and into the era of Taft and Wilson. It covers major events like the Spanish-American War and the subsequent 'Open Door' policy in China, providing insights into his own thoughts, the political maneuverings of the era, and his relationships with contemporary figures such as Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Mark Twain. It's a raw, personal take on American politics during a transformative period, including the transition from isolationism to a more active international role.
