This volume was written as a sequel to a book by the same author published in 1980, titled From Spokesman to Press Secretary, covering White House Press Secretaries from 1929 to 1980, beginning with Herbert Hoover's Press Secretary, George Akerson, and ending with Jimmy Carter's Press Secretary, Jody Powell. It was resumed with Jim Brady, the original Press Secretary for Ronald Reagan, and ended with Michael McCurry, the third Press Secretary (de facto) for Bill Clinton.