James Fenimore Cooper Prize

Information

The James Fenimore Cooper Prize is awarded biennially in odd-numbered years for a book of historical fiction on an American subject which makes a significant contribution to historical understanding, portrays authentically the people and events of the historical past, and displays skills in narrative construction and prose style. The prize is named in honor of the most famous American historical novelist of the nineteenth century.

The 9th Biennial James Fenimore Cooper Prize competition, 2009

Purpose: To honor works of literary fiction that significantly advance the historical imagination. The winner will be chosen for its literary quality and historical scholarship.

Prize: A certificate, 2,500 dollars, and consideration for selection by the History Book Club. A certificate will be presented to the publisher. The prize will be awarded at the annual meeting of the society in May, 2009.

Eligibility: A book's copyright must be in either of the previous two years, 2007 0r 2008.

Submission: There is no fee for participation. Publishers may submit as many titles as they wish. One copy of each book must be sent to each of the four jurors by January 31, 2009.

Mr. Kevin Baker
206 West 99th Street #5C
New York, NY 10025

Professor Nancy Hewitt
Department of History, Van Dyck Hall
16 Seminary Place
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Professor Bruce Kuklick
Department of History
208 College Hall
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6379

Professor Mark C. Carnes
Department of History
Barnard College, Columbia University
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027-6598

Inquiries to the Society: amhistsociety@columbia.edu or 212-222-4902.