The Centennial Senator gives readers unprecedented access into the public and private life of U.S. Senator J. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina through personal reflections from more than 150 friends, staffers, colleagues, and constituents. From presidents, senators, and Supreme Court justices to Thurmond's legislative assistants and personal driver, the senator's inner circle speaks candidly about these unforgettable interactions with the man behind the lore. Through their memories Thurmond emerges as a multifaceted individual--politician, boss, ladies' man, family man, fitness advocate, backseat driver, soldier, dancer, and friend--who, across his many roles and long life, held public service to his state and nation as the highest calling.

Collected by R. J. Duke Short, who served on Thurmond's staff for thirty years and as his chief of staff for fifteen, these stories and quips are further enhanced by Short's introduction and a foreword by U.S. Senator Bob Dole.

The contributors include Joseph R. Biden, Jr., George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, James B. Edwards, Gerald Ford, Newt Gingrich, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Lindsey Graham, Orrin Hatch, Trent Lott, Sandra Day O'Connor, William Rehnquist, Alan Simpson, Clarence Thomas, John Walsh, Joe Wilson, and many others.