Describing the men who have led the U.S. Treasury since its creation in 1789, this book profiles those who have held the cabinet position of Secretary of the Treasury from Alexander Hamilton to Robert Rubin. Each profile provides an understanding of the man, the problems he faced, and the contributions he made. While focusing on the economic policy problems of each era and the solutions the incumbent secretary offered, each profile also includes a vignette illustrating the secretary's personality and background. Some represent backgrounds of money and power, others backgrounds of simplicity and anonymity. Some came to the office with greater stature than they left with, while others made a significant mark on our nation's financial history.