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.

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.

Eligibility: A book's copyright must be in either of the previous two years.

Submission: There is no fee for participation. Publishers may submit as many titles as they wish. One copy of each book must be sent by January 31 of the award year to each of the four jurors. The 2009 Cooper Prize jurors will be listed here in the autumn of 2008.

Inquiries to the Society: amhistsociety@columbia.edu or 212-854-5943.