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Author Howard Bahr wins 2007 Shaara Prize for Civil War Fiction

09/19/2007

GETTYSBURG, Pa. - Critically acclaimed author Howard Bahr has won the 2007 Michael Shaara Prize for Excellence in Civil War Fiction for his book, "The Judas Field."

Established in 1997 by "Gods and Generals" author Jeff Shaara, the $5,000 prize is named in honor of his father, author of the novel, "The Killer Angels." The prize, administered by Gettysburg College, honors a novel about the Civil War, and encourages fresh approaches to Civil War fiction. The prize will be presented by Shaara Nov. 19 during the annual Fortenbaugh Lecture at the Majestic Theater.

Bahr was born August 3, 1946, in Meridian, Miss. From 1964 to 1968, he served as a gunner's mate in the United States Navy, participating in coastal and amphibious operations in Vietnam and the Western Pacific. After his service, Bahr worked as a brakeman and yard clerk on several railroads in the South and Midwest. In 1973, Bahr enrolled at the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor's degree majoring in English and history and a master's in English. He completed the coursework and examinations for a doctoral degree, but withdrew before completing a dissertation. From 1976 to 1993, he was on the staff at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner, serving as curator from 1982 to 1993. He was also an instructor of literature at the University of Mississippi. In 1993, Bahr became an English professor at Motlow State Community College in Lynchburg, Tenn., until 2006. Bahr has published in various magazines and journals including "Southern Living," "Civil War Times Illustrated," "The Southern Partisan" and "The Saturday Evening Post." He is the author of "The Black Flower," "The Year of Jubilo," "Pelican Road" and a children's book, "Home for Christmas." He lives in Jackson, Miss.

Previous winners of the Shaara Prize include: E.L. Doctorow, "The March;" Philip Lee Williams, "A Distant Flame;" Marie Jacober, "Only Call Us Faithful;" Marly Youmans, "The Wolf Pit;" Richard Slotkin, "Abe: A Novel of the Young Lincoln;" Robert J. Mrazek, "Stonewall's Gold;" Donald McCaig, "Jacob's Ladder: A Story of Virginia During the Civil War;" and Madison Jones, "Nashville 1864."

For consideration of next year's prize, publishers, critics and authors may submit books published in 2007 by December 31. There is no entry fee. Please send ten copies of the nominated work to: The Michael Shaara Book Prize, Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College, 300 N. Washington Street, Campus Box 435, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences. With approximately 2,600 students, it is located in a 200-acre campus adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park in
Pennsylvania. The college was founded in 1832.

Issued: 9/19/2007

By: Kendra Martin