They Left Their Mark: Heros and Rogues of Arizona History

by Leo W. Banks

A parade of larger-than-life characters have boldly written their names in the annals of Arizona history. From the early Spanish explorer Juan Bautista de Anza to land swindler James Addison Reavis to World War II Marine hero Ira Hayes, you'll enjoy these fascinating biographies of Arizona's famous and infamous.

141 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

About the author

In high school, Leo W. Banks worked loading delivery trucks with the Sunday edition of the Boston Globe. In those days the Sunday paper was really heavy, so he switched from lifting to writing. He graduated from Boston College and earned a masters degree from the University of Arizona, where he later taught writing. His articles have appeared in the USA Today, Newsday, Miami Herald, National Review, National Geographic Traveler, Sports Illustrated, Wall Street Journal and many others. He has been a correspondent for the Los Angeles Times and, yes, the Boston Globe.

He has written four books of Old West history for Arizona Highways publishing and co-wrote a book about the Grand Canyon. His book about the saguaro cactus won’t stop selling. He has won thirty-eight statewide, regional and national journalism awards.

Leo has written four novels: Double Wide, Champagne Cowboys, .45 Caliber Perfume, and his latest, The Flying Z.