Herbert Quick was an American writer and politician, born on October 23, 1861, in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Quick is best known for his work in literature, particularly his novel Vandemark's Folly, which explores themes of American westward expansion and pioneer life. In addition to his literary career, he had a notable involvement in public service, serving as the Mayor of Sioux City, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900. Quick was a man of many interests, with a keen interest in history and the development of the American frontier. His works were infused with a strong sense of regionalism and often depicted the tensions between idealism and reality in the settling of the American West. His career as a writer and politician was shaped by his personal experiences in Iowa, where he lived much of his life. John Herbert Quick passed away on May 10, 1925, in Columbia, Missouri, at the age of 63. His legacy endures through his contributions to American literature, particularly in the depiction of pioneer life and the challenges of westward expansion.