Oscar S. Straus’ autobiography, Under Four Administrations: From Cleveland to Taft, originally published in 1922, was dedicated to his grandchildren and their contemporaries of every race and creed. Straus was a man of great vision who expressed at an early age that he did not want to follow his father and brothers in their chosen field, merchandising. He stated he was more idealistic. If public service could be a career, that is what he wanted to do. And he made it so.

Oscar Straus then dedicated his life to the betterment of humankind through public service. He served under Republicans and Democrats alike. His writing celebrated the human spirit. Moreover, the organizations he founded provided vehicles for his ideals.

As you read through Under Four Administrations, written by this great man - born in Germany but grateful for the opportunities afforded to him in America - you will see that Oscar Straus was a man for all people. This 2017 republication of his autobiography acknowledges the contributions he made, not only to his adopted country, but to the world. And it celebrates Oscar S. Straus’ life as the remarkable attainment of the true American Dream.