Keepers of the Spirit: The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, 1876-2001 (Volume 89) (Centennial Series of the Association of Former Students Texas A & M University (Hardcover)) - Hardcover

Adams, John A.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1585441279 ISBN 13: 9781585441273

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press, 2001

Synopsis

Texas A&M's Corps of Cadets has shaped the traditions that mark the rich heritage of one of the nation's largest universities. Keepers of the Spirit traces the history of the Corps from its founding at the land-grant Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas on the banks of the Brazos River to its entry into the twenty-first century. From shaky early years that saw rugged conditions, constant administrative turnover, and financial difficulties, Texas A&M and its Corps grew into what they are today. In the twentieth century the Corps gained national recognition as its graduates performed courageously in World Wars I and II,
Korea, and Vietnam. And the Corps remains one of the largest uniformed organizations of military cadets in the nation, next only to the federal service academies. Offering commissions in all branches of the armed services, Texas A&M since 1876 has produced more than 43,000 commissioned officers, of whom more than 225 have reached the rank of general or flag officer.
Skillfully integrating contemporary political, social, and cultural elements, John A. Adams, Jr., has analyzed hundreds of primary source documents to shed historical light on the values, customs, and controversies that have shaped the Corps's 125-year history: the Southern military tradition of duty, honor, and sacrifice; the struggle to integrate veterans returning from both world wars into campus—and Corps—life; the admission of women into the university and into the Corps; and the evolution of the Corps into a voluntary, rather than mandatory, part of an expanding and diversifying university.
Keepers of the Spirit contains dozens of photographs never before published, as well as comprehensive lists of key people and events in Corps history. Published in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of the University, Adams's work dramatically and entertainingly details Texas A&M's and the Corps's contribution to America's long tradition of well-educated and well-prepared
citizen soldiers.

About this title

About the Author

JOHN A. ADAMS, JR., Class of '73, knows his subject from the inside out, holding three degrees, including a doctorate in history, from Texas A&M University, where he himself was a member of the Corps. He is the author of two other books on the university's history, Softly Call the Muster: The Evolution of a Texas Aggie Tradition, and We Are the Aggies: The Texas A&M University Association of Former Students. Adams won the 1990 T. R. Fehrenbach Book Award for excellence in Texas history for his Damming the Colorado: The Rise of the Lower Colorado River Authority, 1933–1939. He lives in Orlando, Florida.

Review

“Adams provides vivid images of early campus life at Texas A&M, beginning in 1876 when only six students enrolled. . . This book is required reading for anyone who genuinely wants to try to understand the spirit that permeates the Corps of Cadets and the A&M campus. . . For dedicated Aggies, the book will probably make an ideal Christmas present for years to come.”--Journal of South Texas

(Journal of South Texas 2002-01-01)

“For dedicated Aggies, the book will probably make an ideal Christmas present for years to come.”-Journal of South Texas

(Journal of South Texas 2002-01-15)

“. . . skillfully analyzed hundreds of primary source documents and integrated contemporary political, social and cultural elements in bringing to light the values, customs and controversies which have shaped the Corps’ 125-year history.”—Texas Aggie

(Texas Aggie 2001-09-15)

“If you are an Aggie, or a non-Aggie as I am, who holds the Cadet Corps of Texas A&M University in high regard, then buy the book Keepers of the Spirit: The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, 1876-2001, by John Adams, Jr."--San Antonio Express-News

 

(Maury Maverick San Antonio Express News 2001-09-01)

“This is a splendidly written book and I like the writing style.  Adams has researched his topic well and has provided an excellent bibliography.  Along with facts, figures, and historical events, he interjects anecdotes that make the reading lively and interesting.  I strongly recommend the book.  For former students of Texas A&M, it is a must; for historians, it is an excellent history of Texas A&M; and for others, perhaps it will contribute to a better understanding of ‘the spirit that can ne’er be told’ – the spirit of Aggieland.”-East Texas Historical Association 

(East Texas Historical Association 2002-09-01)

“. . . will contribute to a better understanding of ‘the spirit that can ne’er be told’ – the spirit of Aggieland.”-East Texas Historical Association

(East Texas Historical Association 2002-09-01)

“It is the rare reader who will not be struck by Adam’s extensive research.  The range of sources consulted in the preparation of this study is truly impressive.  And as a former member of the Corps, Adam’s palpable enthusiasm for his subject is one that most current and former cadets will no doubt appreciate.  Current and future alumni of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M will definitely welcome this handsomely designed book and assign it a prominent place in their library”-Southwestern Historical Quarterly

(Southwestern Historical Quarterly 2002-07-01)

“It is the rare reader who will not be struck by Adam’s extensive research. . . ."--Southwestern Historical Quarterly

 

(Southwestern Historical Quarterly)

“Adam’s provides a detailed institutional history with many interesting anecdotes and stories. Local media coverage, oral histories, and photographs supplement his extensive use of institu­tional archival reports and correspondence. Anyone interested in Texas A&M University will be impressed with this well-researched and attractive book.”-Journal of Southern History

(Journal of Southern History 2003-02-01)

“Adam’s provides a detailed institutional history with many interesting anecdotes and stories. . ."-Journal of Southern History

(Journal of Southern History 2003-02-01)

Edition details

• Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1585441279
• ISBN 13: 9781585441273
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 416