Exciting changes to the Wolfson History Prize 2017 announced
Awarded annually since 1972, Britain’s foremost history prize promotes and encourages standards of excellence in the writing of readable and scholarly history suitable for a general audience. In previous years, prizes have been given to two exceptional historical works.
In 2017, for the first time, the judges will announce a shortlist of six books in early April, followed by a reception at Claridge’s in mid-May when one overall winner will be revealed.
The winning author will now receive a prize of £40,000 – an increase from £30,000 in 2016 – with the five remaining shortlisted writers being awarded a prize of £4,000 each.
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said: “We are tremendously excited to be introducing a shortlist for the Wolfson History Prize in 2017. The decision to introduce a shortlist reflects the sheer diversity and quality of history books being considered. It will highlight a larger number of brilliant authors and sparkling books, excite greater interest and debate and extend the reach of the Prize further than ever before.”
