“Hollywood handsome Danny Brewster had it all: inherited wealth, stellar education, decorated combat Marine, prestigious horse farm, and even a seat in the United States Senate. He helped pass some of the most important civil rights legislation in our history, and provided the first political jobs to future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Then, debilitated by alcoholism, he self-destructed and lost it all.”

A new biography about the Baltimore-born senator has recently been released. Self Destruction: The Rise, Fall and Redemption of U.S. Senator Daniel B. Brewster will be the topic of discussion for the Maryland Horse Library & Education Center’s Fourth Monday series, to be held June 26 at 4 p.m. in the library.

Author John W. Frece, a longtime legislative reporter with the Baltimore Sun and United Press International, will discuss the book and Brewster’s life, along with members of the Brewster family.

“Reexamining the life and legacy of Senator Brewster is particularly timely at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, in light of our renewed struggle for racial justice,” writes Pelosi in the foreword. “Danny showed notable political courage in helping pave the way for progress on civil rights. He was the only Senator from south of the Mason-Dixon Line to co-sponsor both the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act.”

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signed by the author.