The first major biography of Jeannette Rankin, a groundbreaking suffragist, activist, and the first American woman to hold federal office. “Few members of Congress have ever stood more alone while being true to a higher honor and loyalty.” ―President John F. Kennedy on Jeannette Rankin Born on a Montana ranch in 1880, Jeannette Rankin knew how to ride a horse, make a fire, and read the sky for weather. But, most of all, she knew how to talk to people and unite them around a shared vision for America. It was this rare skill that led her to become the first woman ever elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. As her first act, Rankin put forth the legislation that would become the Nineteenth Amendment. During her two terms, beginning in 1917 and in 1941, she introduced and lobbied for legislation strengthening women’s rights, protecting workers, supporting democratic electoral reform, and promoting peace through disarmament. As Congress’s fiercest pacifist, she used her vote to oppose the declaration of war against the German Empire in 1917 and the Japanese Empire in 1941, holding fast to her belief that “you can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.” A suffragist, peace activist, workers’ rights advocate, and champion of democratic reform who ran as a Republican, Rankin remained ever faithful to her beliefs, no matter the price she had to pay personally. Despite overcoming the entrenched boys’ club of oligarchic capitalists and career politicians to make enormous strides for women in politics, Rankin has been largely overlooked. In Winning the Earthquake , Lorissa Rinehart expertly recovers the compelling history behind this singular American hero, bringing her story back to life. "This superb biography of the first woman elected to Congress deserves a place on every public and academic library bookshelf." ― Library Journal (starred review) " [Rinehart] canters through Rankin's career with the same drive that Rankin exhibited… she was uncompromising and indefatigable." ― Wall Street Journal "An illuminating biography... It’s a gripping window into progressive political history and one woman’s defiance of sexist gatekeepers." ― Publishers Weekly "Drawing on Rankin’s many interviews, Rinehart imbues her narrative with her subject’s passion and voice. A well-researched biography of a memorable woman." ― Kirkus Reviews "A comprehensive and clear-eyed biography of this important American figure. In a time when a dismaying number of public figures across the spectrum pursue personal and political enrichment, Rankin’s courage of her convictions is inspiring." ― Booklist "While Rinehart’s narrative is propelled by her accounts of Rankin’s soaring highs and crushing lows, it is enriched by vivid imagery that captures the drama... An unlikely against-all-odds tale of power, tenacity and ambition." ― The Spectator "Gripping from start to finish, Lorissa Rinehart’s page-turning biography brings Rankin to life in all her righteous glory. Rinehart’s timing could not be better. Her suspenseful and engaging biography of this courageous trailblazer is a stark reminder of a time when some politicians were brave enough to stand up for what they believed in and suffer the consequences. For readers hungry for political role models, Winning the Earthquake is not just inspirational, but therapeutic history." ―Clara Bingham, author of The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America 1963-1973 "Astonishing... Rinehart delves into the life of this uncompromising suffragist, pacifist, and social reformer, providing an in-depth look at a woman who never stopped fighting for what she believed in, providing a legacy to inspire countless Americans today." ―Lisa Rogak, New York Times bestselling author of Propaganda Girls " Winning the Earthquake is a powerful reminder that Jeannette Rankin paved the way for so many of us. I hope this book moves you as it did me. It reminds us all to keep standing up, speaking out, and never give up the fight for our rights." ―Olivia Troye, Former National Security Official; Strategy, Policy & Operations Executive; and Media Commentator. " A vivid, compelling portrait of a remarkable woman who reminds us that social and political change is grounded in community... Every generation needs its Jeannette Rankin. And generations to come need books like Winning the Earthquake that tell their story." ―Cynthia Richie Terrell, RepresentWomen Executive Director and Founder "Many of us know the name Jeannette Rankin, but it was a deep pleasure for me to learn about her humanity, her wisdom, and her remarkable courage. Congresswoman Rankin opened the door to leadership for the other half of our Americans." ―Don Beyer, Member of Congress. Praise for Lorissa Rinehart and First to the Front : "An extraordinary story....Reads like a Hollywood movie." ― The Wall Street Journal "Jam-packed with colorful details and incisive character sketches, this is a