John Clark Ridpath was an educator, historian and editor from Indiana. Although his life began in humble circumstances his thirst for knowledge helped him obtain a college degree from what would become DePauw University. This biography of James Otis paints a picture of a pre-revolutionary man who is credited with the phrase "Taxation without representation is Tyranny". Otis was a strong opponent of the writs of assistance which allowed the British to enter any colonist's home without cause. Otis died at age 58 from a lightening strike.