"Arkansas Biography brings to light the lives of those who have helped shape Arkansas history for over four hundred years. Featured are not only the trailblazers, such as steamboat captain Henry Shreve, Olympic gold medalist Bill Carr, and aviator Louise Thaden, but also those whose lives reflect their culture and times - musicians, scientists, teachers, preachers, and journalists. One hundred and eighty contributors - professional and avocational historians - offer clear vignettes of nearly three hundred individuals, beginning with Hernando de Soto, who crossed the Mississippi River in the summer of 1540. The entries include birth and death dates and places, life and career highlights, lineage, anecdotes, and source material. ". "The information condensed into this single reference volume will be valuable to general readers of all ages, libraries, museums, and scholars. "--BOOK JACKET.