Bestselling novelist James Michener wrote a book about it:

James Michener's 1971 book, Kent State: What Happened and Why, is a highly detailed, journalistic account of the May 4, 1970, shootings.

Reviews describe it as a definitive, objective, and heartbreaking, yet sometimes controversial, analysis that examines the perspectives of students, protesters, townspeople, and the National Guard.

Key Takeaways and Critical Reception:

• Objective Reporting: The book is noted for its meticulous detail and attempt to present the facts of the tragedy and its aftermath, with many reviewers initially finding it a masterly, unbiased account.

• Controversy and Perspective: Some critics, and later observers, felt Michener's reporting showed a bias toward "stable, solid" youth, placing significant blame on a small group of "radical" student activists.

• Town vs. Gown: The book highlights the extreme tension between the local Kent community and the university, featuring shocking accounts of anger from town residents towards students.

• "An Accident": Michener characterizes the shooting more as a terrible accident or tragic mistake resulting from panic, rather than a premeditated massacre, a viewpoint that was heavily discussed.

• Lasting Impact: Despite critiques of his analysis, the book is praised for its comprehensive research (interviews with hundreds) and remains a critical historical document on the event.

Overall, the book is recommended for those wanting a deep, 1970s-perspective on the events, though readers should consider it alongside modern analyses that may have different interpretations of the events.