Distinguished Service': The Life of Wisconsin Governor Walter J. Kohler, JR.

Written by retired history teacher Thomas C. Reeves, Distinguished Service: The Life of Wisconsin Governor Walter J. Kohler, Jr. is an in-depth, studious biography of Walter J. Kohler, Jr. (1904-76) who served as Wisconsin's governor during the mid-twentieth century. Distinguished Service spares no detail, from its recounting of Kohler's genealogy to the meticulous analysis of his life and gubernatorial service to its contemplation of his legacy. An inset section of black-and-white photographic plates and an index complement this scholarly account, especially recommended for public library and biography shelves.

Prof. Thomas Reeves (University of Wisconsin, retired) has written the final, full length biography of his career. It is a fitting end, and a refreshing read which returns to the seemingly unfashionable historical tradition of simply "telling the story." Here, we enter the story of arguably Wisconsin's royal family, the Kohlers, and one of its most famous sons, Walter Jr. (The purple dust jacket is a fitting royal image, even if not intended to be.) For anyone interested in corporate dynasties, be it the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, etc., this biography contains more than just dry politics. It is a regional history, to be sure, but the influence of the Kohlers sheds light on how much fame does not necessarily bring with it good character or an end to one's vices. Indeed, good character becomes harder to nurture in the world of money, politics, and power, but Walter Jr. worked hard in this regard. Reeves' biography shows all sides to Kohler's character, and Reeves is unique among biographers in this regard too. With unprecedented access to the Kohler family and Kohler Co. archives, Reeves is careful about not writing a hagiographical account, considering the privileges extended to him as a researcher. But, those who know and admire Reeves' writing will see that this was never a possibility anyway; Reeves is first and foremost a "finder of facts," and we can be thankful that the Kohlers left as many facts as they did, for it sheds light on not only politics, but life in general, especially a life of privilege, which is often only a blessing in disguise.