Brandon University Dean of Arts and Professor of History Dr. Gregory Kennedy has received one of Canada's most prestigious honours in French-language historical scholarship. His book Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2024) has been awarded le Grand Prix de l'Institut d'histoire de l'Amérique française, given annually to the best scholarly book on the history of the French in North America.
This latest recognition adds to an impressive series of accolades for Lost in the Crowd. Earlier this year, the Canadian Historical Association awarded Dr. Kennedy the Clio Prize for for the best book on the history of Atlantic Canada and shortlisted the book for the Best Scholarly Book in English on Canadian History. Lost in the Crowd was also awarded the New Brunswick Scholarly Book Award by the Journal of New Brunswick Studies / Revue d'études sur le Nouveau-Brunswick.
In its citation, the Canadian Historical Association praised the book as "a nuanced account of Acadians' lives before, during, and following World War I" and noted that "social history methodologies deepen our understanding of wartime experiences."
The Institut d'histoire de l'Amérique française highlighted how Lost in the Crowd demonstrates the importance of studying the history of minority communities in Canada. The prize committee further noted the innovative methodology which focused on the daily experiences of soldiers and their families. The book thus offers a renewed, and profoundly human reading of the First World War.
Dr. Kennedy thanked the many colleagues, students, friends, and family members who supported his research and writing, saying that this recognition was the culmination of 15 years of work as a professor at the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick.
"It's deeply meaningful to have this kind of recognition from my peers," Kennedy said. "There's so much outstanding scholarship being done right now, and I'm grateful that this work on Acadian soldiers has resonated so widely."
Greg Gatien, Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic), said this recognition reflects both Dr. Kennedy's scholarly excellence and the strength of the Faculty of Arts at Brandon University.
"Greg's work exemplifies the best of what university research can achieve deep, meaningful insight that connects past and present," Gatien said. "In addition to all the administrative leadership responsibilities that Greg manages, it is wonderful that he remains so engaged with his discipline. Greg's success brings national attention not just to his field, but to the vibrant research culture we're fostering here at BU."
Dr. Kennedy continues to pursue research on the social history of war and military service in Canada including plans to turn his attention toward the rich history of military life in the Brandon and Westman areas.
For more information about Lost in the Crowd: Acadian Soldiers of Canada's First World War, visit McGill-Queen's University Press, or find copies on Amazon, Chapters, or at Coles in Brandon's Shoppers Mall. It will also be available soon at the BU Bookstore.
