Biography traces public support for J. Edgar Hoover in most of his 48 years in power

J. Edgar Hoover is seen in his Washington, D.C., office in 1936. A new biography of the long-time FBI director looks at public support for his policies during most of his tenure. (AP)

For nearly half a century, J. Edgar Hoover presided over the FBI with an iron fist.

His career began with a wave of anti-communist raids in 1919. It ended during the presidency of his friend Richard Nixon.