A Man of His Word: The Life and Times of Nevada's Senator William J. Raggio

William J. Raggio is one of Nevada's best-known citizens who spent eighteen years as a prosecutor and more than thirty-eight years as a legislator, achieving national prominence in both sectors and setting a record for Nevada's longest-serving public official. During his tenure as the most influential leader in the history of the Nevada Legislature, he was often referred to by both admirers and critics as Nevada's "Shadow Governor." In A Man of His Word, author Michael Archer chronicles how Raggio's brilliant and colorful career was instrumental in shaping modern-day Nevada.

 
Michael Archer is an American author and lecturer who has published five books of nonfiction. Three deal with the Vietnam War, particularly the 1968 communist siege of the US Marine base at Khe Sanh and its effect on the lives of those who survived. He has also written two books about Nevada politics as experienced through the life of the most influential legislator in Nevada history, State Senator William J. Raggio.

In addition, Michael's articles and essays have appeared in the Nevada Review, Political History of Nevada—2016, and twice in Naval History magazine. His work has been honored by Foreword Magazine's INDIES Book of the Year Award and received literary awards from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in the categories of distinguished biography and feature writing.

Michael served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in South Vietnam. He studied history at California State University, Sacramento, and worked in both federal and state government, including nine legislative sessions as a staff member with the Nevada State Senate.

A native of Oakland, California, he has resided in Northern Nevada since 1978.