Legacy of the Land
Final book cover, 12”x12”. Stinehour Press and Puritancapital.
OVERVIEW
Legacy of the Land is a richly illustrated 294-page coffee table book that spans 500 million years of history. This journey intertwines geology, natural history, Native American heritage, the homestead era, the dude ranch years, and the story of ranching in Montana today.
When I embarked on this project, I was determined to avoid clichéd depictions of the American West. The rugged realities of the homesteader and the work-a-day cowboy differ vastly from the polished Hollywood portrayal. Our goal was to capture the most authentic and nuanced version of this history, relayed by the voices of those who lived it—or their descendants—to honor their struggles and triumphs.
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Meeting our 10-month production timeline required a monumental effort. This included studio and museum shoots, extensive research, archival imagery sourcing, on-site visits, and the writing process itself. The post-production phase took another eight months. Our collaboration spanned over 150 museums, private collections, artists, essayists, and individuals to weave together this intricate narrative.
The story led us across Montana and beyond: from Sheridan, Wyoming, to Crow Country; from Pray to the Blackfeet Nation; and from the Yellowstone Heritage Center in Gardiner to the Smithsonian Institution's digital archives. By integrating the old with the new—juxtaposing contemporary Western art with historical imagery—we sought to bridge the past, present, and future.
THE FINAL PRODUCT
If history's purpose is to give the past a voice and place in the present—to mend the forgotten and illuminate the future—we hope this book accomplishes that. What began as a team project evolved into a community-driven endeavor. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who contributed and supported us in preserving these stories.
Special thanks go to Arthur Blank, whose commitment to the legacy of Mountain Sky Guest Ranch and West Creek Ranch reflects his dedication to preserving the history of Paradise Valley, Montana, and the American West. His unwavering support, alongside the efforts of his Atlanta team and AMB West managers and staff, ensured this history was captured with care and depth.
WHERE TO READ
For locals wishing to read Legacy of the Land, several institutions hold reading copies in their collections, including:
Gallatin History Museum in Bozeman, MT
Montana State University Library Special Collections & Archives in Bozeman, MT
Yellowstone Gateway Museum in Livingston, MT
Yellowstone Heritage and Research Center in Gardiner, MT
Montana Historical Society in Helena, MT
Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY
GOOD COMPANY
From 2017 to 2019, I was part of the team behind Good Company, a National Bestseller and the definitive business biography of Arthur M. Blank. The book delves into Blank’s principles of servant leadership and values-driven business practices. With a Foreword by President Jimmy Carter—one of America’s most celebrated servant-leaders—and endorsements from renowned figures in business, politics, and spirituality, Good Company is both inspiring and insightful. The book is available in hardcover, Audible, and Kindle formats.
Explore more on the official website: https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/arthurblank/