Books about Mercer University  The Whisper of the River by Ferrol Sams The second book in Sams' trilogy takes us along with Porter Osborne, Jr.'s life at "Willingham University." This book is based on Sams' expereinces at Mercer. For a rundown of characters, and who they really were, see this page in Mercer's Jack Tarver Library Special Collections. By the way, one character's name was not changed: John Birch, who is discussed in the book, is based on the real John Birch, a student at Mercer who went on to become a Missionary in China. His death led to the formation of the John Birch Society. In the story, the new dormitory that was built, with the top floor being reserved for KA, was actually Roberts Hall, named for Columbus Roberts. My dorm during my Freshman and Sophomore years was #44, on the top floor of Roberts Hall.   The Stem of Jesse The Costs of Community at a 1960s Southern School by Will D. Campbell The Stem of Jesse is about the ironies of history, the ambiguities of even the best-intentioned of human actions, the complicity of all human beings in the histories of their respective societies, and crucial roles of repentance and forgiveness in the health of any society. On the surface the book is about the struggle of Mercer University-a historic Baptist university in Macon, Georgia-to deal with the problems of racism, drugs, and protest in the 1960s. On a deeper level, the book is a portrayal of the plight of this nation and, ultimately, of the human condition itself. It is as significant, consequently, for Central Europe and sub-Saharan Africa as it is for Mercer University. (Review from Amazon.com) Ironically for me, being an alum of Mercer and Southern Miss, Will Campbell's papers are held in the McCain Library Special Collections at The University of Southern Mississippi. A History of Mercer University 1833 - 1953 by Spright Dowell This history of the first 120 years of Mercer University was written by its 19th President, upon his retirement. In addition to the narrative history of the University's founding and existance, it is a source of reference material on the University. Gridiron Glory Days: Football at Mercer 1892-1942 by Robert L. Wilder This tells the story of the formation of the Mercer Bears football team, from their first game against the University of Georgia (who also were playing their first game) up to their folding during WWII. Side note: Coach Wilder was my bowling coach at Mercer.