A library book overdue by nearly 50 years has been returned to a university library in southwest Ohio.

The University of Dayton says a former student who borrowed the "History of the Crusades" in 1967 has sent it back with an apology for the late return.

The university says James Phillips, of Minnesota, apparently checked out the book as a freshman before leaving school to join the U.S. Marines. Phillips says the book and other belongings must have been gathered from his dormitory room and sent to his parents' house where they remained until his parents' died. Phillips recently found the book in a box of belongings forwarded to him by his brother.

University officials say they won't be charging Phillips the late fee that would have been about $350.