Stephen F. Austin State University

A prolific Stephen F. Austin State University professor can add a new genre to his repertoire – children’s literature.

“Primary Source Accounts of the Civil War” by Dr. Archie McDonald helps readers ages 10 and up understand the causes of the Civil War, military and life on the home front through letters, diaries and other documents that offer firsthand accounts of life during this time. The book is the first in the new series “America’s Wars Through Primary Sources” from Enslow Publishers’ MyReportLinks.com Books.

“I have worked for Enslow as a manuscript evaluator on a contract basis for sometime, so when the series editor called and asked if I would do the pilot volume in this series on America’s wars, I thought it only fair that other evaluators have a chance to catch my mistakes,” McDonald said.

McDonald’s book offers more than 100 pages of information with images and descriptions of Web sites to help the reader conduct enhanced Internet research. It is written on a 10th grade level, but can be helpful to older students as well.

“The narrative of the war is applicable to all, and the documents – the real purpose of this book – have meaning for students of all ages,” McDonald said.

In addition to his latest book, McDonald has authored approximately 40 books and publications, including the humor cookbook “Helpful Cooking Hints for HouseHusbands of Uppity Women.” McDonald currently writes three newspaper column series and edits the East Texas Historical Journal as executive director of the East Texas Historical Association. He also provides commentary on Friday mornings on the Red River Radio network, a National Public Radio affiliate.

McDonald has taught history at SFA since 1964 and holds a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University, a master’s degree from Rice University and a doctoral degree from Louisiana State University. His courses at SFA focus on Texas history and Civil War and Reconstruction.

During his time at SFA McDonald has received many honors including having Alumni Drive named after him, being named recipient of SFA Alumni Association’s Distinguished Professor Award, a Regents Professor, a member of the Texas State Historical Association and recipient of an SFA Faculty Achievement Award.

McDonald has served leadership positions with organizations including the Texas Committee for the Humanities, Texas Folklore Society, Texas State Library, Texas Historical Commission, Texas Sesquicentennial Commission, Texas Sesquicentennial of Statehood Commission, Old San Antonio Road Preservation Commission, Friends of the Texas Historical Commission and Red River Radio.