Lester Frank Ward is one of American sociology's most colorful characters. The first president of the American Sociological Society (now called the American Sociological Association) Ward came to the discipline after several years of government service in geological science. Born in 1839 to working class parents Ward developed an appreciation for education early in his life. He considered learning to be the chief mechanism for self-improvement and progress. However, his family had limited means, and he could not afford a formal education as a young man. Ward taught himself many subjects including five classical languages and mathematics. After being wounded in combat service, during the Civil War, he earned a formal degree. Ward completed a bachelor's degree at Columbian (now George Washington) University through night school while working in Washington as a government clerk. Using veteran's benefits he went on to earn a law degree, and medical degree from...