Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva\'s dramatic life story has captured the imagination of millions, and his progressive politics have brought hope and excitement to Brazil-and the world. This compelling work is the first major English-language biography of the metalworker who became president of Latin America\'s largest and most powerful country. In a clearly written, vividly detailed narrative, Richard Bourne describes Lula\'s childhood hardships in an impoverished family, his days as a revered trade unionist, and the strike movement that brought down Brazil\'s military dictatorship. The book chronicles Lula\'s campaigns for the presidency, his first term in office beginning in 2002, a major corruption scandal, and his reelection in 2006. Throughout, Lula of Brazil connects this charismatic leader\'s life to larger issues, such as the difficulty of maintaining a progressive policy in an era of globalization. Brazil\'s contemporary history, parallels with other developing countries and other world leaders, the conservatism of Brazilian society, and other themes provide a rich backdrop for assessing the struggles, achievements, and failures of this major figure on both the Brazilian and the world stage.