Author Talk with Will McLean Greeley

A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington is the story of how Senator George P. McLean helped establish lasting legal protections for birds, overseeing passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, landmark environmental protection legislation still in effect today. Will McLean Greeley, McLean’s great-great nephew, puts McLean’s victory for birds in the context of his distinguished 45-year career marked by many acts of reform during a time of widespread corruption and political instability. Greeley traces McLean’s rise from obscurity as a Connecticut farm boy to national prominence when he advised five US presidents and helped lead change and shape events as a US senator from 1911 to 1929.

Will McLean Greeley grew up in West Michigan with a passion for American history, politics, and birds. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan and then a master’s degree from Michigan in archives administration. After retiring from a 35-year career in government and corporate market research, he embarked upon three-year research and writing journey to learn about his great-great-uncle George P. McLean and his legacy. Married and the father of two sons (with two grandchildren), Greeley lives in Midland, Michigan. This is his first book.