Everett McKinley Dirksen is remembered as a prominent and effective congressional leader. As Senate Minority Leader (1959–1969), he became well-known for his indispensable role in successfully negotiating and gathering the support of his colleagues to pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Upon his death in 1969, his family and former staff collaborated with the Pekin community to establish the Everett McKinley Dirksen Congressional Leadership Research Center and advance the public’s understanding of the US Congress.

"If only more politicians could reflect on their political education with the candor and humor that Everett Dirksen does in this rare memoir from one of the truly great national leaders of the twentieth century."—Raymond W. Smock, Historian of the US House of Representatives, 1983–1985"In the foreword, Howard Baker writes ‘Virtually every idea [Dirksen] held, he held tentatively.’ To learn how a person with that approach can emerge as a giant on the national scene, and play a key role in the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, is fascinating."—Paul Simon, US Senator, 1985–1997"A most exhilarating account of a perfect role model for both budding politicians and anyone serving in elective office."—Robert H. Michel, US House of Representatives, 1957–1995"Dirksen provides a case study in the making of an effective political leader. General readers in Illinois and elsewhere will enjoy his charming anecdotes, vivid character sketches, and a folksy wisdom."—Patrick J. Maney, Tulane University

• Foreword to the 30th Anniversary Edition, Thomas R. Dirksen, Nephew to Everett M. DirksenForeword to First Edition, Howard H. Baker, Jr., Former Senate Majority Leader of the United StatesIntroduction and Historical Context, Frank H. Mackaman, HistorianThe Education of a Senator1. Halcyon Days2. The Groves of Academe3. “You’re in the Army Now”4. “Lafayette, We Are Here”5. Floundering6. The Councilman7. Mr. Smith Does Not Go to Washington8. Mr. Dirksen Goes to Washington9. “You One-Termer”10. The New Deal and I11. The New Deal and I Continue12. Meteor across the Sky13. Dramatic Deeds14. Broadening Horizons15. A Crisis in My Life16. “But You Must Be a Senator”17. Judgment DayEpilogue and ReflectionAfterword, Donald A. Ritchie, Historian Emeritus of the United States SenateIndexAbout the Author