Iowa State sophomore Jeremy Varner has recently co-authored his first published book, titled “Iowa’s Sesquicentennial History, Volume 7.”

Varner said he received his start as a sophomore in high school when he began working at Historic Publications in Fayette, a business owned by the other co-author, Don Kimball.

“Jeremy is a wonderful young man. He is the best to ever work at Historic Publications as far as participating in writing,” Kimball said.

Kimball, a former state legislator, is best known as the only author to write a book on Mamie Eisenhower. Among the two dozen books Kimball has written are two books on the assassination of President Kennedy.

“I learned all kinds of things from Don. He taught me how to write and explained how books are published,” Varner said.

“Iowa’s Sesquicentennial History, Volume 7,” is a 490-page book that concentrates on the decades between 1940 and 1960. Major focuses of the book are the Korean War and World War II, Varner said.

“I found that the most interesting thing to research was the individual medal of honor winners from Iowa during World War II,” Varner said.

Varner began at Historic Publications working in the office and helping Kimball with the computer system. Eventually researching and writing were added to his job description. Kimball said it was then that he decided to let Varner become the co-author.

“I never expected to be the co-author of a published book at this age. It has definitely changed my life,” Varner said.

Varner commented that Kimball set up an appointment where he had the opportunity to meet Gov. Brandstad and former Gov. Robert Ray last December at the closing ceremonies for Iowa’s Sesquicentennial.

Varner came to ISU with a major in engineering; however, he recently changed his major to journalism.

He also considered a history major with a minor in journalism.

“I hope the book will help me out in the future when I am searching for a job. Someday I would like to write a book on my own, but right now I am busy with school,” Varner said.

“Iowa’s Sesquicentennial History,” Volumes 1 through 6, written by Kimball, are currently available at Parks Library.

“I have only seen the cover of the book. I am excited to see the book itself,” Varner said.