Details the political life and times of William Ryan, Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1969-1974, and describes the connection between the developmental process of the State of Michigan as a political entity and Ryan's leadership activities and philosophy. Looks at the history of Michigan politics from 1805 to 1963, the coming of age of the legislature from 1963-1966, Ryan's actions and influence after 1967, and the Ryan legacy. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR