Idaho 100: The people who most influenced the Gem State. By Randy Stapilus and Martin Peterson. 2012. 278 pages. ISBN 0-945648-03-0 Price $15.95
Reviews
Idaho is one of the few states in the nation where a significant number of people can sing the words to the state’s song. This is due in part to people like veteran political journalist Randy Stapilus and his co-author, Marty Peterson, the long-time director of the University of Idaho’s governmental affairs. Together they have produced an entertaining book listing the 100 most influential people in the 150 years since Idaho became a territory. The list is fascinating both because of the diversity of characters, the famous (J.R. Simplot #11, Frank Church #14, Joe Albertson #19, Ezra Taft Benson #27, William E. Borah #69)as well as a few infamous (“Big Bill” Haywood #52, Richard Butler #88), and the well-known (Robert Smylie #18, Jim McClure #23, C. Ben Ross #47)as well as the truly obscure(Wetxuwiis #10, Lafayette Cartee #25, Pinckney Lugenbeel #34). It reinforces an old notion that it is people who make and shape history, not external forces or tipping-point trends. The book should be required reading as a supplement to any Idaho history textbook. – Chris Carlson
The book submits for your study the life of 100 people who for good or bad have made Idaho the great state that it is. There are villains and heros, poor men and industrial giants, but all are given an interesting short bio. If you live in Idaho or just have an interest in state history and city birth and growth this is a fun book. – Joendee
Idaho 100: The people who most influenced the Gem State. By Randy Stapilus and Martin Peterson. 2012. 278 pages. ISBN 0-945648-03-0 Price $15.95