A Passion for Freedom: The Life of Sharlot Hall

"Sharlot Hall came to Arizona with her family from Kansas in 1881 at the age of eleven. . . . Margaret F. Maxwell's goal is to explain how "this Unadvantaged Young Person" was able to achieve so much. . . . This is a lovingly detailed biography of one of Arizona's most fascinating writers."—Western Historical Quarterly"This well-documented biography of Arizona's poet laureate and territorial historian . . . is a significant new contribution to the history of Arizona's quest for her early identity."—Arizona Highways"Maxwell has done a highly commendable job of piecing together, from a vast array of scattered sources, the life story of a remarkable frontier woman. It is a fascinating psychological study that the author wisely highlights with excerpts from Sharlot's expressive letters and poems."—New Mexico Historical Review"A biography that brings to life this very strong-willed and determined person in easily readable style, holding the reader's attention as each obstacle is overcome or endured."—Journal of Arizona History"Filled with the warmth and admiration the author feels for her subject as she recounts the blossoming of an Arizona ranch girl into poet, journalist, Territorial Historian (and the first woman to hold office in Arizona) quotes from Sharlot's letters and poetry add measurably to the picture of this intense, likable, frustrated early feminist, one of Arizona's treasures."—Books of the Southwest