Radical of Radicals from editor Jack Dempsey

Austin Blair—Civil War Governor—In His Own Words

Rich Portrayal of Dynamic Civil War Politician Revealed in New Release

Traverse City, Michigan—Today’s divisive climate might lead one to believe that politics has never been so personal—or nicknames more charged. Austin Blair, Republican Party co-founder, legislator, and governor was attacked by opponents as a “radical” because of his views on treason, slavery, and public corruption. The label becomes logo as Blair finally receives the recognition he deserves in Radical of Radicals: Austin Blair—Civil War Governor—In His Own Words, Mission Point Press, (September 16, 2025).

Radical of Radicals: Austin Blair—Civil War Governor—In His Own Words

This first in a two-volume documentary biography from editor Jack Dempsey and the Michigan Civil War Association (MCWA) presents Blair’s life and political philosophy largely through his speeches, letters, and public remarks in the lead-up to and through the Civil War. Richly annotated, the book offers essential historical context to Blair’s powerful rhetoric and unwavering moral convictions.

Michigan Civil War Association

Radical of Radicals is the newest title in the MCWA annual series of “untold stories and first-person accounts that have not received their fair due,” according to Dempsey. Blair, a major force in Michigan politics who mobilized Michigan during the Civil War, was a tireless public servant, endearing himself to soldiers and civilians alike and making his name synonymous with the nickname ‘War Governor.’ He has never been given book-length treatment until now.

Radical of Radicals portrays a leader far ahead of his time—a tireless advocate for emancipation, civil rights, equal opportunity, justice, and preservation of the Union, and an outspoken opponent to corruption in public office. In addition, the book is a valuable resource for understanding both the man and the broader evolution of federal-state relations during one of the most transformative periods in American history. “At that time, as today, people argued about the respective powers of the federal government vis-à-vis the states. The balance of federal and state power continued through the Depression, the modern civil rights era, and the contentiousness about the expansion of the federal government of the last few decades. The issues addressed by Blair remain relevant for modern America,” Dempsey shared.

Supporting the MCWA’s purpose to share Michigan’s stories of sacrifice, contribution, and impact during the Civil War era, Dempsey has spoken in libraries and schools for previous titles, disputing claims that people—young or old—aren’t interested in history. “It just has to be presented in a way that does it justice, not a focus on names and dates, but on personal stories and great events,” he said, noting, “Publication of Radical of Radicals during the 2025–26 election cycle might help modern voters examine the challenge of leadership in a fresh new way.”

Advance Praise

Advance praise for Radical of Radicals from Cameron S. Brown, president of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute and former Michigan state senator:

“Austin Blair was a gifted public servant who stood with President Lincoln in the heroic task to save the Union. As Lincoln guided the nation, so Governor Blair guided Michigan. A retrospective on Michigan’s Civil War Governor is overdue. Kudos to Jack Dempsey for opening that door using Governor Blair’s own words.”

Author Jack Dempsey

The Author

Jack Dempsey is a former Assistant Attorney General of Michigan, editor, and award-winning author with eleven books on the Civil War, Michigan history, and cultural heritage to his credit. Hailed as “the popular voice of history in Michigan,” he has served as president of the Michigan Historical Commission and chaired the state’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee. A frequent speaker on C-SPAN, podcasts, and at libraries, bookstores, and historical events, Dempsey continues to champion preservation and public history through his writing and leadership. Proceeds from this volume support the Michigan Civil War Association’s effort to honor Michigan’s role at the Battle of Antietam. For additional information visit jackdempseybooks.com.

The Book

Radical of Radicals: Austin Blair—Civil War Governor—In His Own Words

Book 4 in the series on Michigan in the Civil War

By the Michigan Civil War Association / Jack Dempsey, editor

368 pages, 6 x 9 inches, B/W

Biography & Autobiography, Political, History, United States, Civil War Period (1850-1877), State & Local, Midwest

ISBN: 978-1-965278-54-3, $29.95 (Hardcover)

ISBN: 978-1-965278-55-0, $18.95 (Softcover)

Mission Point Press, September 16, 2025

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its September 16 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at jack@jdbooks.org or jackdempseybooks.com.  

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