Book excerpt: This biography of William Plumer--New Hampshire lawyer, politician, senator, and governor--furnishes unique insight into state, local, and national politics in the formative period of party development. Plumer was an important participant in the American political scene for forty years. Originally published in 1962. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.