Dr. John Kinder, a history professor at Oklahoma State University, was awarded the Society for Military History (SMH) Distinguished Book Award for his book, "World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age," published by the University of Chicago Press.

The SMH Distinguished Book Award is highly prestigious and recognizes the best book-length publications that year in English on military history.

This marks the first time in OSU’s history that a faculty member has won the award.

"Dr. Kinder's training as an interdisciplinary scholar of American Studies and History, along with his ability to write powerful prose, make this book so compelling and unique," said Dr. Richard Boles, chair of the Department of History. "We are fortunate to have him as a professor at OSU."

Kinder reflected on the journey that led to his success and what this accomplishment means for OSU.

“'World War Zoos' was very difficult to write, and from the beginning, I was concerned about how it would be received, especially by those who expect their World War II books to focus primarily on the battlefield,” said Kinder, explaining his initial journey in his book-writing process. “You can only imagine my surprise, then, upon learning that it had received the top book award from the nation’s largest organization of military history scholars.”

Kinder’s book marks a new telling in military history, proving that all aspects of historical narratives are invaluable to society’s future.

In his book, Kinder describes how zoos survived during World War II, highlighting parallels between human and animalistic survival. The book offers insight into how societies worldwide — from Japan to Canada to France to Russia, and more — faced the challenges of war from the prism of protecting (but also culling) their zoos animals. In so doing, not only does Kinder describe a new perspective on the history of zoos, but he also thoughtfully recounts military history beyond the battlefield.

“It never occurred to me that I was the first OSU faculty member to receive this award, if indeed that is true,” Kinder said. “Oklahoma State University is lucky enough to have a whole department of pathbreaking, award-winning historians.

“I hope this award suggests to others what I’ve long known — that OSU supports and values high-quality military history."

Story By: Olivia Upton | oupton@okstate.edu