Author

Bob Burke

Bob Burke, born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, has written more historical non-fiction books than anyone else in history. He earned a law degree from Oklahoma City University and received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from OCU and a BA in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Burke’s more than 130 books have won many awards, including three Pulitzer Prize nominations.

   Burke is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame. He is father to Robert, Amy, and Cody, stepfather to Natalie, Lauren, and Calli, and grandfather to Nathan, Jon, Ridge, Fallon, Greyson, Mia, Emerson, Sutton, Charlie, and Cameron. He and his wife, Chimene, live in Oklahoma City where he practices law and writes books.

Hall of Fame Inductee

Bob Burke
was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in
2006
.

Recent Publications

Adult

Oklahoma Justice: The State Trial of Terry Nichols

The worst homegrown act of terrorism in the nation’s history, the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995, resulted in the deaths of 168 men, women, and children. However, the law allowed federal murder charges to be filed only for the deaths of eight federal agents. This is the story of the controversial decision to proceed with the prosecution of Nichols in state court and the four-month trial in the McAlester, Oklahoma, courtroom of District Judge Steven W. Taylor.
Adult

The Battle Against Big Tobacco and the Birth of TSET Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust

Created by Oklahoma voters in 2000, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) is a grant-making trust fund that receives the majority of Oklahoma’s share of a 1998 nationwide settlement against tobacco companies. Funds are invested by a Board of Investors, and only the earnings from those investments are used by a Board of Directors to support efforts to improve the health of Oklahomans. The mission of TSET is to fund programs that reduce tobacco use and obesity—the leading causes of preventable chronic disease—and by funding research that improves treatment and saves lives.
Adult

One Lucky Cowboy: The Life of Burns Hargis

Burns Hargis had a successful career as a lawyer and as vice chairman of Oklahoma’s largest bank. But his combined life experience prepared him for his greatest public service as president of Oklahoma State University. This is the story of Burns’ life that began in south Texas and how he and his family settled in Oklahoma. It is also the humorous chronicle of how he discovered his life partner and greatest supporter, Ann. Their journey is a template for public service and giving back to their adopted state.
Adult

What A Ride! The Life of Hal Smith

Born in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Hal Smith began his career in the restaurant business while attending the University of Oklahoma. Soon, he joined Steak and Ale and eventually was president and CEO of the nationwide chain and vice president of Pillsbury. Hal has created brands that heighten the senses through inspired architectural settings, excellent service, and cuisine that satisfies all tastes, from fine dining to casual eats. In his more than 50 years in the restaurant business, Hal has opened more than 500 restaurants. Hal Smith Restaurants now operates 14 different restaurant concepts in seven states.