About the Author
A writer and analyst exploring the intersection of history and culture
Ward McLendon is a writer and analyst whose work explores the intersection of history and culture. A former public opinion analyst and message strategist, he has advised political campaigns, environmental organizations, CEOs, and philanthropic foundations on how ideas move people.
He is the author of The Ghost Dance War and recently modernized the classic A History of Kansas, updating it from its original 1919 publication, which traces the state's past from frontier settlement to statehood.
A Passion for History
Narrative-driven, evidence-based books—built from primary sources and human stories.
The Frontier Chronicles
Ward's ongoing series, The Frontier Chronicles, brings American frontier history to life through narrative-driven accounts built from primary sources and the lived experience of the people who were there.
Each volume stands alone, but together they build a bigger story—one that reveals who, what, and why it mattered, without academic fog. Drawing from firsthand accounts, letters, diaries, and newspapers, Ward's work honors the complexity and humanity of frontier life.
Approach to History
Ward's research methodology prioritizes primary sources—the actual voices of those who lived through historical events. By centering firsthand accounts and contemporary documents, his work reveals the human stories behind major historical moments, challenging familiar assumptions and asking not just what happened, but why it mattered and how it shaped the world we live in today.
His writing bridges the gap between academic rigor and accessible storytelling, making complex historical narratives engaging for general readers while maintaining scholarly integrity.
