A World War I book written by the late Tennessee Tech Professor Michael Birdwell finished as a finalist for the 2024 Tennessee History Book Award.
“Tennessee’s Experience During the First World War” features 14 different articles with different aspects of World War I life in the state. Tech History Professor Jeff Roberts said he believes the book’s story variety is what made it a finalist.
“When you’ve got 14 different articles about different aspects of Tennessee ranging from meals to marines, to raids on the Kaiser,” Roberts said. “It just presents a real interesting array of historical topics.”
Roberts said Birdwell passed away before finishing the book, and several Tennessee Tech history professors picked up where Birdwell left off to complete the book. Roberts said the book may have never been published without Birdwell’s colleagues finishing what he started.
“It meant a lot to him.” Roberts said. “Of course, most all of his books did, but I think getting this one finished is something I’m sure he would’ve been proud of.”
Roberts said Birdwell was beloved in the Cookeville Community. Roberts said Birdwell’s book being a finalist even after his passing is a testament to the person Birdwell was.
“I think it really speaks to the quality of his scholarship across his entire career,” Roberts said.
