George Bush, the man, remains today among the best-kept secrets in Washington. This is remarkable, given his nearly forty years in a career that has spanned war, business, community service, politics and high government positions. He is still somewhat of an enigma, even to the millions who have watched him strive for the presidency. This up-to-date account of the adventures, personal qualities and achievements of George Bush contains surprises. The quiet, genial President has experienced disaster, danger, disappointment and defeat on his way to the White House. They have offset his long string of successes and tempered his natural ebullience. Bush is seen through the eyes of a biographer whose life has intersected periodically with that of the President, his family and his numerous professional doings. Green's observation began during his boyhood as a neighbor and friend of Barbara Pierce (now Bush) and her siblings; it continued through similar schooling, a tour in the U.S. Navy, a test period in Texas and involvement in Bush's political efforts. Indeed, for over 50 years Green has followed George Bush's path. This portrait of a president is enlivened by the fruits of more than 400 personal interviews with friends and colleagues of Bush, his family, and many acquaintances from the nation and abroad.