DATE: June 10, 2009

CONTACT: Jerry Reel, 864-656-3037
jvreel@clemson.edu

CONTACT: Alma Bennett, 864-656-5405
balma@clemson.edu

WRITER: Angela Nixon, 864-656-0382
anixon@clemson.edu

New book explores life, legacy of Thomas Green Clemson

CLEMSON — A new book published by Clemson University Digital Press explores the many aspects of the life of university founder Thomas Green Clemson.

“Thomas Green Clemson” was written by 12 authors, most of whom are Clemson faculty and staff members, and edited by English professor Alma Bennett. Each of the 13 chapters focuses on a certain facet of Clemson’s life, including his education; his relationship with his wife Anna Calhoun; his time spent in Europe and Washington, D.C.; his career as a scientist and farmer; his love of art and music; his role as a national advocate for agricultural education; and his vision to found an agricultural college.

Written for general readers as well as scholars, history buffs and students, the 400-page book includes a 16-page color section of historical portraits and selections from Clemson’s own art collection. The book also features historic documents, maps and genealogy charts of the Clemson and Calhoun families dating from the 1600s to the 1970s.

“Thomas Green Clemson was a Renaissance man,” said Jerry Reel, university historian and one of the book’s authors. “This new book, which is a biography and a study of his intellectual, social, scientific and artistic sides, brings together a group of writers who are each skilled in one or another of Mr. Clemson's many interests to weave the fascinating tale of a life that should be well remembered.”

“Thomas Green Clemson” is available through the Clemson Alumni Center. To buy a copy, call 864-656-2345 or visit http://cualumni.clemson.edu/bookoffer.