With the passage of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, the United States formally established a middle ground between the competing forces of the bankers’ need for private control and the populist call for governmental oversight. But despite its role as the nation’s only centralized banking authority, and its importance as a decision-making body, the Federal Reserve as an institution has always been fiercely protective of its own independence. In this work, Bernard Katz sheds light on this important arm of the government, by profiling each member of the board of governors from the inception of the Federal Reserve in 1914 through January 1991.

Katz’s work begins with a preface and introduction that detail the creation of the Federal Reserve and the role played by the board of governors within the organization. Sixty-seven biographical sketches then profile each of the board’s chairmen and vice-chairmen, providing detailed information on their backgrounds, training, politics, and even the pettiness and insecurities of their lives. Each contributor also chronicles the economic issues that surrounded each board member’s tenure, as well as controversies within the board and the relationships and debates with specific presidents and administrations. This unique reference work will be a major addition to both public and academic libraries, and a valuable resource for students of the Federal Reserve system, monetary policy, and money and banking.