Life and Times of Hammerin' Hank Ward

A riverfront underworld, a fearless reporter, Frank Capra's beloved movie hero, Jefferson Smith, and the circus of Kentucky politics share much in common-and all are brought to mind by the adventures and career of a 20th century Kentucky politician nicknamed "Hammerin' Hank" Ward.

Travel back in time with Henry T. Ward-a newspaper columnist, state legislator, Park and Highway Commissioner who transformed Kentucky's dilapidated park system into a national model for excellence, then led the Highway Department through the "go-go" years of interstate highway construction. As Democratic candidate for Governor in 1967, he promised to "Be frank with the public, always tell them the truth," which sent him speeding down the road to defeat.

For readers seeking assurance it's possible to govern effectively and still keep your principles intact, there is hope in the life story and example of the 5'-7" dynamo who stood up for Kentuckians-even if it meant refusing to do favors in exchange for votes-"Hell no! You'd be crazy as hell to think I'd do that!"

His Republican opponent Louie B. Nunn later paid tribute-calling him "the greatest man who never was governor." Henry's life story is entwined with the reform era of crusading reporting, the massive public works projects of the New Deal, the storied history of America's beloved national and state parks, and the birth of the interstate highway system. Experience it all, as you keep score for the battles Henry won and lost, as he answered the call when Kentucky needed him.