Jacob Piatt Dunn, Jr.: A Life in History and Politics, 1855-1924

by Ray E. Boomhower

This book explores the life and work of Hoosier historian, journalist, and political reformer Jacob Piatt Dunn, Jr. This biography documents Dunn’s merging of his career in both politics and history. Dunn’s role in the revitalization of the Indiana Historical Society in the 1880s is examined, as well as his campaign to establish free public libraries throughout the state, the enactment of a new city charter for Indianapolis, his devotion to preserving the language of the Miami Indians, and his lifelong commitment to ensuring the purity of the ballot box.

Genres: Biography

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

From famed World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle to unlucky astronaut Virgil I. "Gus" Grissom, author and historian Ray E. Boomhower has produced books on a variety of notable figures in Indiana and American history.

Currently senior editor at the Indiana Historical Society Press, where he edits the quarterly popular history magazine Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History, Boomhower has also published books on the life of Civil War general and author Lew Wallace, reformer and peace activist May Wright Sewall, U.S. Navy ace Alex Vraciu, and journalist and diplomat John Bartlow Martin.

In 1998 he received the Hoosier Historian award from the Indiana Historical Society and in 2010 he was named winner of the Regional Author Award in the annual Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards. In 2009 his book Robert F. Kennedy and the 1968 Indiana Primary was selected as the winner in the historical nonfiction category of the annual Best Books of Indiana contest sponsored by the Indiana Center for the Book. His books have also been finalists in the annual Benjamin Franklin Awards from the Independent Book Publishers Association.

Reviews

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one!