Nationally Acclaimed Author Captures Prestigious Prize at Governor General's History Awards

WINNIPEG, Nov. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - Next year marks the one hundredth anniversary of the beginning of the First World War, which claimed 67,000 Canadians and wounded another 173,000.  The event shocked and shaped our burgeoning country and no person or community was left unaffected.

Over the past decade, acclaimed historian and author Tim Cook has championed the cause of making military history more accessible, vivid and factual. His best-selling books capture the reader's attention and heart, as he details the struggles and accomplishments of ordinary Canadians in the face of wartime realities.

For this invaluable perspective about Canadians who have significantly contributed to the shaping of our history, Canada's History Society is awarding this year's Governor General's History Award for Popular Media: The Pierre Berton Award to Tim Cook from Ottawa.

As the First World War Historian at the Canadian War Museum, Tim Cook has been project leader in curating six museum exhibitions since the opening in 2005 including the permanent Gallery for the First World War and companion World War I Internet exhibition.  He is also the prolific author of six military books and past recipient of the Charles Taylor Prize for non-fiction, the John Dafoe Prize and the Ottawa Book Award. His latest book, Warlords: Borden, Mackenzie King, and Canada's World Wars, was shortlisted for the 2013 Charles A. Taylor Award for Literary Non-fiction.

"All too often we tend to reflect on Canada's military history in terms of nations, armies, battles, and geography," observed Deborah Morrison, President & CEO of Canada's History Society.  "Tim Cook has changed that, reminding us that what happened is not a single story - but the collected stories of the nearly half a million Canadians who served in that war.  His tireless efforts and exceptional writing will ensure we will remember…each and every one of them."

Cook will receive his prestigious award from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada on Tuesday, November 19^th in Ottawa at 10:30 a.m. at Rideau Hall. Media are invited to attend the ceremony and should contact [email protected] to confirm attendance.

Announcements continue throughout the coming week and profiles, photos, and video interviews of all the recipients will be available at: http://www.canadashistory.ca/Awards

The Governor General's History Awards brings together historians, students, teachers, museums and community organizations, writers and media producers to celebrate as well as learn from each other.  The day prior to the award ceremonies, recipients will participate in a public history forum at the Canadian War Museum.  This year's forum, "Is Technology Altering Our History?" is open to the public to attend onsite or online by registering at www.CanadasHistory.ca/HistoryForum.

About Canada's History Society

Canada's History Society is a Winnipeg-based charitable organization devoted to popularizing Canadian history.  In addition to publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) magazine, and Kayak: Canada's History Magazine for Kids, the Society also produces the Governor General's History Awards to celebrate excellence in the field and encourage more discovery, celebrations and understanding about our rich history and culture.  More details can be found at CanadasHistory.ca.

SOURCE: Canada's History

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Nicole Harris
Maverick Media Solutions
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]

Deborah Morrison
Canada's History Society
Office: [phone] ext. 222
[email protected]