RIPLEY, Ohio USA — Michael A. Banks, co-author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal's best-selling book, Crosley: Two Brothers and a Business Empire that Transformed a Nation, will be discussing and signing his book at the Union Township Public Library on Jan. 21.

Banks' book examines the lives of Cincinnati's Crosley brothers, the founders of WLW Radio, the creators of Crosley cars, radios, Shelvador refrigerators and owners of the Cincinnati Reds and Crosley Field.

The author looks at brothers Powel and Lewis Crosley's relationship, industries, families, successes, failures, trials, losses and achievements in an age of industry and growth.

The co-author said he came up with the idea for the book because he had long been intrigued with the Crosley family. Banks grew up in Milford, Ohio, with a Crosley radio and a neighbor who had a Crosley car with a propeller on the front, the young Banks would often turn.

New York Times best-selling author, Michael A. Banks, wrote books about model rocketry with Tim Van Milligan.

"Crosley was all around me," said the author.

As Banks grew older, he became perplexed that no biography had been written about the brothers. After establishing a writing career, Banks decided to take it upon himself to make the biography happen.

During his research process, Banks encountered David Stern and Rusty McClure, two men also passionate about the research and book, who helped turn it into a reality.

Banks says the final product will not only be of interest to history buffs and individuals who grew up with the Crosley household name, but will be of interest to entrepreneurs who are looking for "original approaches to thinking about business problems."

In addition to his latest publication, Banks has a long list of books and articles he has authored or co-authored, including books about model rocketry, computers and novels about science fiction.

Banks edits, trains and consults other writers and helps them break into the industry. Banks teaches a credit free evening course at the University of Cincinnati for fledgling writers.

Banks' main tip to writers — "write what interests you.

"If I can do it, anybody can," said Banks of breaking into the print industry.

Even though Banks will be discussing his new book, the author said he will be happy to answer questions about getting published.

Among other projects, Banks is currently working on a biography of Earl Muntz, a big radio and television guru who was referred to as "Mad, Mad Muntz" by many dignitaries in the 1940s and 1950s.

You can also find an article by Banks, about the Crosleys, in this month's "Timeline" magazine, published by the Ohio Historical Society.

To meet Banks, join the Friends of the Library signing from 2 - 4 p.m. on Jan. 21 at the Union Township Public Library, located at 27 Main Street in Ripley.

After a discussion, copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of the Library. For more information, call the library at 937-392-4871.

For more information about Banks, visit his website at http://www.michaelabanks.com.

In addition to purchasing books at the signing, Banks' books are available online on booksellers' Web sites and at all major bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble and Joseph-Beth Booksellers.