Mavericks: The Lives and Battles of Montana's Political Legends
Book Profiles Legendary Montana Figures
State Auditor John Morrison and his wife Catherine Wright Morrison throw a wide loop to capture the spirit of Montana’s great political leaders in "Mavericks." Originally published in 1997 by the University of Idaho Press, this important book is now available in paperback from the Montana Historical Society Press.
Mavericks: The Lives and Battles of Montana’s Political Legends is a powerful look at nine leaders who shaped the nature and very being of what it means to be a Montanan.
The new book profiles:
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Joseph K. Toole, Champion of Statehood
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Ella Knowles, Pioneer of Equality
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Joseph M. Dixon, the Bull Moose Progressive
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Thomas Walsh, Advocate for the People
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Jeannette Rankin, Warrior for Peace
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Burton K. Wheeler, Montana’s Yankee Maverick
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James E. Murray, Stalwart of the New Liberalism
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Mike Mansfield, Giant on the Hill
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Lee Metcalf, the Modern Populist
The book is not a full biography of these Montana leaders, rather it examines their political character, strength and resolve in doing what they thought was right.
The Morrisons said that the term "Maverick" was not intended to suggest the leaders were "impulsive, erratic, or friendless."
"In most cases the opposite was true," they said. "Instead, the term mavericks connotes that these legendary figure were strong individuals with independent minds, willing to stand alone when their consciences demanded it."
At the end of every compellingly written profile, the Morrisons include a list of suggested reading for those who want to delve more deeply into the lives of these great Montanans.
Mavericks: The Lives and Battles of Montana’s Political Legends is 340 pages including 21 illustrations and an introduction and index by the Morrisons. It sells in paperback for $17.95 at bookstores, or can be ordered directly from the Society plus shipping by calling toll-free 1-800-243-9900.
