Suffragist, social worker, first woman elected to the United States Congress, lifelong peace activist, and tireless advocate for political reform, Jeannette Rankin is often remembered as the woman who voted "No."  Elected to Congress form Montana on the eve of the nation's entry into World War I, Rankin cast her first vote-the first vote cast in the House of Representatives by any woman-against the declaration of war.  Reelected to Congress in 1940, she repeated her vote, becoming the only member of Congress to vote against the United States' involvement in World War II.

Jeannette Rankin lived her conscience, and she became America's conscience through her unflagging campaigns for children's protective legislation, women's rights, election reform, and most of all, peace.  Her friend Norma Smith based this biography on interviews conducted with Rankin in the 1960's.  As a result of Smith's efforts, the determined voice of a complicated activist shines in these pages.