John A. Adams, Jr., Class of 1973, will be one of many alumni in town this weekend celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Corps of Cadets. But one thing sets Adams apart from the rest – he is the author of a new book titled Keepers of the Spirit: The Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, 1876-2001.
This non-fiction novel expounds on the many traditions within the Corps, as well as its history and conception.
Adams said that he drew on his understanding of school tradition and the Corps to help him write this, his third book. As a former cadet in the Corps, Adams said he has an inside grasp of the importance the Corps has played in the development of Texas A&M University since its establishment in 1876.
Adams said that he was amazed that no one had written a book about this before now.
“I began researching for this book about 12-15 years ago,” Adams said. “I started [researching] when they just had a pile of boxes in the basement [of the Cushing Library].”
Adams also read many personal diaries, memoirs and conducted dozens of interviews.
Due to all of this research, Adams said he was able to discover many unknown and mis-stated facts about the Corps and the University.
Adams will hold two book signings today, from 1-4 p.m. at the Sanders Corps of Cadets Center and at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore on Texas Avenue from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m.