Foreword by Paschal Donohoe - Minister for Public Expenditure.

Widely regarded 'a national treasure' throughout his long life of public service, Dr T.K. Whitaker's contribution to the economic, financial, social, educational, political and cultural evolution of the Irish State was unprecedented.

Short-listed for the 2014 Irish Book Awards, in this new edition of his biography, author Anne Chambers reveals the extraordinary diversity of Whitaker's undertakings on behalf of the State and its people; his relationship with national and international political leaders and organisations; his background, motivations, humour and compassion; the personal losses endured, the many highlights enjoyed, his legacy and relevance today.

This informative and intriguing portrait presents the man behind the public servant. His personal archive, as well as the many interviews conducted with him by the author, encapsulates the late Dr Whitaker's personality, his voice and opinions, so necessary today, and which makes this biography unique.

In this present age of entitlement, self-promotion and narcissist absorption, the ethos of Whitaker's work and dedication to the common good is all the more relevant, as well as being a vindication of why the ordinary Irish public choose him as 'Irishman of the 20th Century.'

'Packed with fascinating detail...absorbing' - Irish Independent
'Well written and well researched...crammed with insights' - Sunday Business Post
'A valuable and often absorbing book...' - Irish Times