Wolfson History Prize

The Wolfson History Prize is awarded annually to promote and recognise outstanding history written for a general audience. First awarded in 1972, it remains a beacon of the best historical writing being produced in the UK, reflecting qualities of both readability and excellence in writing and research. Books are judged on the extent to which they are carefully researched, well-written and accessible to the non-specialist reader.

WINNER 2024

Shadows At Noon

Chatterji, Joya ISBN: 9781529925555
Paperback / softback

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Shadows at Noon tells the subcontinent's story from the British Raj through independence and partition to the forging of the modern nations of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Unlike other histories of the region which concentrate exclusively on politics, here food, leisure and the household are given as much importance as nationhood, migration, and the state. Chatterji makes contemporary South Asia - its cultural vibrancy, diversity, social structures and political make-up - accessible to everyone. In so doing this bold, innovative, and personal work rallies against narratives of 'inherent' differences between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and reveals the many things its people have in common.

- Browns Books Synopsis

A shortlist of six books is announced in spring, followed by one overall winner in early summer. The Wolfson History Prize is the most valuable non-fiction writing prize in the UK, with the winner receiving a total prize of £40,000, and the shortlisted authors receiving £4,000 each.