Jackson wins £50k Wolfson History Prize

In the UK, Clare Jackson has won the Wolfson History Prize for Devil-Land: England under siege, 1588–1688 (Allen Lane), reports the Bookseller.

Devil-Land is described by judges as ‘a masterpiece of historical writing: a gripping book that brings to life the drama of 17th-century England, a time of rebellion, regicide, and civil war’. Jackson receives £50,000 (A$88,650), an increase of £10,000 (A$17,700) on previous years, in honour of the prize’s 50th anniversary.

‘By looking at England from the perspective of European observers, Clare Jackson gives us a wider lens through which to view the period, helping us to see ourselves through the eyes of others,’ said the judges.

Jackson’s book was chosen as the winner from a shortlist of six announced last month.

The annual award is run by independent charity the Wolfson Foundation, which awards grants in the fields of science, health, education and the arts and humanities. Last year’s prize was won by Sudhir Hazareesingh for Black Spartacus: The epic life of Toussaint Louverture (Allen Lane).

For more information about the Wolfson History Prize and this year’s winner, see the prize website.

Category: International news