Independent Man: The Life and Times of Senator James Couzens (Great Lakes Books Series)

First published in 1958, Independent Man is the only book-length biography of one of Michigan's most remarkable men. Born in Ontario, in 1872, Couzens made the move to Detroit in the year 1890. His many careers embraced both the business and political spheres. Couzens was a prominent businessman who helped shape Ford Motor Company, but he left the company when he and Henry Ford clashed over politics. Furthermore, he found himself prominently involved in Detroit's 1932-1933 bank crisis and the New Deal. Upon leaving Ford, Couzens began his political career, first serving as Detroit's police commissioner. He went on to a controversial term as mayor of Detroit and then represented Michigan in the U.S. Senate. This book reveals the life of a truly unique and inspirational man.

David L. Lewis was professor emeritus of business history at University of Michigan. He is author of The Public Image of Henry Ford: An American Folk Hero and His Company.

Harry Barnard served as a Chicago newspaperman, University of Chicago research and press relations director, and Detroit advertising agency publicist. In 1938 and 1954 he authored biographies of two half-forgotten men, Illinois governor John Peter Altgeld and President Rutherford B. Hayes.