Dean King '81, author of narrative nonfiction works including "Skeletons on the Zahara," spoke to boys in both the Upper School and Middle School on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. Mr. King's appearance was made possible through the Williams - McElroy History Endowment, established in 2014 to promote the study and understanding of history. 

Mr. King talked to the boys about his approach to writing, one that is immersive and experiental. 

"My job as a history teller is to immerse you in the story and sweep you away to another place and another time...I want you to experience {that place} not just intellectually, but physically and emotionally as if you were there," King said. 

He drew on his experience doing research for "Skeletons on the Zahara," which included a National Geographic Society sponsored expedition to retrace the horrific journey of Captain James Riley and his crew across the Saharan ("Zahara") desert. 

Mr. King also encouraged the boys to go beyond the basic facts about a topic—so easily available on the internet—by doing their own research. 

He said, "in a world where information is always at your fingertips, it is now more important than ever to go out and find out things for yourself. This is the way you take ownership of the story you're trying to tell."

Previous speakers brought to StC by the endowment include Richmond Battlefield Park Ranger Mike Gorman, Pulitzer Prize Finalist and New York Times best-selling author S.C. Gwynne, amongst others.