About the Book

In the last three decades of the nineteenth century, an American buffalo herd once numbering 30 million animals was reduced to twelve. It was an age that treated the West as nothing more than a treasure chest of natural resources to be dug up or shot down. The U.S. Army aided those who hunted buffalo, considering its eradication to be essential to victory in the Army’s ongoing war on American Indians.

Into that maelstrom rode young George Bird Grinnell, a scientist, journalist, hunter and conservationist. In the first national battle over the environment, Grinnell and his allies sought to preserve an American icon from extinction. Grinnell shared his adventures with some of the most famous — and infamous — characters of the day, from John James Audubon and Buffalo Bill to George Armstrong Custer and Theodore Roosevelt. Last Stand is a classic Western tale, full of adventure, danger, and a hero who helped keep the West wild.

Michael Punke is a former partner in a Washington law firm, his diverse professional experience including work on the White House National Security Council and on Capitol Hill. He is the history correspondent for Montana Quarterly magazine. His books include Fire and Brimstone: The North Butte Mining Disaster of 1917, a finalist for the Mountains and Plains Booksellers Award, as well a novel, The Revenant. He lives with his family in Montana.

“Last Stand is all that western history should be.” — Alan K. Simpson, Former U.S. Senator from Wyoming

Critical Praise

“Michael Punke’s meticulously researched Last Stand chronicles the transformation of the Great Plains from untouched wilderness in the mid-19th century to a land, less than 30 years later, where the future of wildlife hung in the balance.” — Audubon (Editors’ Choice)

“Last Stand is the engrossing story of a remarkable man in a remarkable place and time. Punke brings George Bird Grinnell’s vibrant life into full view. ... Last Stand marks Punke as a first-class interpreter and story teller of this history.” — Curt Freese, Managing Director of the Northern Great Plains Program, World Wildlife Fund

“We historians have for so long needed a biography of conservation giant George Bird Grinnell. Michael Punke has provided it, including little known exploits that were so important to Yellowstone National Park. I rejoice in the pleasure of Punke having filled so very large a void.” — Lee Whittlesey, Yellowstone Park Historian, National Park Service

“Last Stand is all that western history should be. ... Fascinating.”.” — Alan K. Simpson, Former U.S. Senator from Wyoming

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780062970091
• ISBN 10: 0062970097
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 06/09/2020
• Trimsize: 6.000 in (w) x 9.000 in (h) x 0.800 in (d)
• Pages: 320
• List Price: $18.99
• BISAC1 : HISTORY / Native American
• BISAC2 : HISTORY / United States / 19th Century
• BISAC3 : HISTORY / United States / State & Local / West (AK, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY)