A biography of the first woman U.S. Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, describing ten periods in her life that explain her ability to triumph over adversity and her success in politics.;Power play: winning the nomination as Secretary of State -- Power brunches, power lunches, and salon dinners -- Coming of age: the Georgetown years -- The undiplomatic diplomat: Ambassador Albright's days at the United Nations -- Killing the messenger: Operation Rescue Hope and the tragedy at Mogadishu -- Victory in Bosnia: the public feud with General Colin Powell and the call for a war crimes tribunal -- Not exactly a man's world: the United Nations Conference on Women in Beijing and the "no cojónes" speech -- Test of wills: the power struggle to oust Boutros Boutros-Ghali -- A family affair: discovery of a newfound heritage and the meaning of friendship.