In for the Long Haul: The Life of John Ruan

This biography studies the 90-year life of the hard-charging businessman and philanthropist who built a one-truck hauling company into one of the nation's leading truck leasing and logistics companies. In forming a portrait of one of Iowa's most famous citizens, Friedricks (history, Simpson College) uses interviews with Ruan, family, and friends, and accesses privately held papers and corporate records. The story of Ruan's perseverance and business successes and failures may appeal to entrepreneurs and general readers interested in business and history. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

William Friedricks is professor of history at Simpson College and director of the Iowa History Center. He was recently named the inaugural winner of the Iowa History Prize, awarded by Humanities Iowa to help support and promote awareness of and interest in Iowa history. He is the author of several books, including Investing in Iowa: The Life and Times of F. M. Hubbell and Covering Iowa: The History of the Des Moines Register and Tribune Company, and editor of the book series Iowa and the Midwest Experience.