Selectively Lawless
The True Story Of Emmett Long, An American Original
by Asa Dunnington
Through memoir and memory, Asa Dunnington explores the people and moments that shaped his family—and himself.
Asa Duane Dunnington
Asa Dunnington, born on June 7, 1939, in Logan, Iowa, has lived a rich and varied life shaped by a wide range of experiences. Over the years, he has taken on numerous roles, including journalist, Air Force member, and campaign worker during a presidential election. One defining moment came during a family vacation when he crossed paths with Emmett Long, a relative of his first wife. That meeting inspired Asa to capture Long’s remarkable life in the biography Selectively Lawless: The True Story of Emmett Long, An American Original, which tells the tale of Long’s journey from outlaw to respected rancher.
In addition to this work, Asa penned his autobiography What A Life!, where he recounts his personal story through a creative format—answering thought-provoking questions pulled from a jar. This approach invites readers into the heart of his life experiences and reflections. Now enjoying life with his second wife, Cheryl, Asa finds happiness in his close-knit family, which includes three children and nine grandchildren.
With his books, Asa Dunnington offers more than just stories—he shares a legacy of perseverance, wonder, and the lasting power of meaningful relationships.