Chinn exemplified the variegated expertise, even genius, of a twentieth-century Kentucky Renaissance manChinn's amazingly varied careers as football coach, Mercer County 'character,' political groupie, military adventurer, honored weapons inventor, and controversial public historian inform both a fascinating personal biography and a telling commentary on twentieth-century Kentucky.Chinn's public life is at once compelling, disquieting, and in many ways profound, much like the Commonwealth's history and culture during his years.
~Russell Harris, retired senior associate editor of the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society
Kentucky Maverick is well-designed, well-researched, and well-written. Jackson has developed a schema of portraying the "story" of Chinn's life against the backdrop of the 'maverick.'
~William Ellis, professor emeritus of history at Eastern Kentucky University
The stories of this Renaissance man will intrigue any Kentuckian.
~Kaintuckeean
[...] Kentucky Maverick is an incredibly fun read, with Chinn's wit and unapologetic boldness making his personality jump off the page. Colonel George M. Chinn certainly did enough in his 85 years to fill several lifetimes, and the story of his success is sure to make every fellow Centre Colonel proud.
~Centrepiece
[...]This book is not only a tribute to a great and little known Kentuckian, but also to a tenacious historian who died before its publication. [...] This biography of one of the most colorful Kentuckians of all time is a joy to possess and read.
~Kentucky Monthly
[...] [H]istorian Carlton Jackson explores Chinn's life and unique brand of brilliance in an account that reads like a dime store adventure novel – equal parts action, accomplishment, and humor. Jackson chronicles his upbringing, military career, and contributions to both the nation and Kentucky. His diverse interests and achievements in both technological and historical advancement made him a Renaissance man. His irreverent humor, larger-than-life personality, and non-conformity made him a maverick.
~Northern Kentucky Heritage
[...] No one has characterized and defined Colonel George M. Chinn better than biographer Carlton Jackson [...] [...] In addition to Kentucky Maverick being a pleasure to read, it can be said to belong on every serious military reader's bookshelf.
~Leatherneck