Robert P. Bremner

Paul A. Volcker, Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve System
"Bill Martin was a hero to a generation of central bankers, including me. In almost twenty years as chairman of the Federal Reserve, he set a standard for integrity, judgment, and independence that has served that institution and the nation superbly well. He did it in a way that commanded the friendship and loyalty of a wide circle of leaders here and abroad. This biography, long overdue, finally does justice to a great man."

Allan H. Meltzer, author of "A History of the Federal Reserve" and Professor of Political Economy, Carnegie Mellon University
"Creation of the modern Federal Reserve System is , to a very considerable extent, the work of William McChesney Martin, Jr. Martin did not leave a biography or memior. Robert Bremner's book fills that gap and brings out the character, conviction, courage, and collegiality that Martin brought to this historic achievement."

Arthur Levitt, Jr., former president of the American Stock Exchange and chairman of the SEC
"Chairman of the Fed is a fascinating and immensely readable chronicle of the professional life of William McChesney Martin, Jr., who battled five U.S. presidents to preserve the independence and integrity of the world's most influential central bank. The story of how this good natured tennis playing banker restored the reputation of the Fed while negotiating with America's financial and political elite and, after retirement, reformed the tarnished image of the New York Stock Exchange (an institution he headed before coming to Washington) provides extraordinary insights and wonderful anecdotes that give broad perspective to an era of financial turmoil and change."

Donald F. Kettl, author of "Leadership at the Fed," and Professor, University of Pennsylvania
"No institution in Modern American life is more important to the economy than the Federal Reserve, and no one was more important in shaping the modern Federal Reserve than William McChesney Martin, Jr. Robert P. Bremner has written the definitive biography of this giant, and it's must reading for understanding how the Fed has evolved-and for grasping the historical forces shaping its future."

Martin Mayer, author of "The Fed" and many other books
"Whatever your definitiion of a great American, Bill Martin meets it. He passed effortlessly from floor broker on the NYSE to its first professional paid president, became the only man on Wall Street to enter the army as a private in World War II, negotiated the end of lend lease with Russia, created, while Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, the document that established the independence of the Federal Reserve System, then served as the Fed's chairman for 19 years. A one of a kind narrative."

Charls E. Walker, former Deputy Secretary of the Treasury
"My friend, Bill Martin, was one of the premier central bankers of the twentieth century. Bob Bremner's excellent biography provides a clear and accurate picture of this great public servant."