Cundill History Prize

かんでぃるれきししょう

Annual prize administered by McGill University for the best history book in English.

HistoryNonfictionBook prize

Established: 2008
Organizer: McGill University
Category: Nonfiction and Documentary Literature
Selection Method: Open call
Target: Open
Frequency: 1 per year
Application Deadline: around February
Announcement Period: around October
Status: Active

Description

The Cundill History Prize, established in 2008 by Peter Cundill and administered by McGill University, is awarded annually to the author of the best history book published in the previous year. It recognizes historical scholarship, originality, literary quality and broad appeal. The grand prize is US$75,000; two additional Recognition of Excellence prizes of US$10,000 are also awarded. There are no restrictions on topic or the nationality of the author; translations are permitted (with prize shares split for translated works). Winners are selected by a jury of prominent historians and writers chosen by McGill University.

Prize

Main Prize: Grand prize for best history book (US$75,000); plus two Recognition of Excellence prizes of US$10,000 each.
Cash Prize: 75,000 USD

Two Recognition of Excellence prizes (US$10,000 each)
For translated works: prize split 80% to author, 20% to translator

Selection

Selection Process

Stage	Judges	Pass Rate	Announcement
Submission and triage	Submissions accepted from publishers and authors; initial triage/administrative review by the Cundill Prize team at McGill University.	—	Longlist/shortlist information published on the official website
Jury deliberation	A jury of prominent historians and writers appointed by McGill University evaluates finalists and selects winners.	—	Finalists and winners determined by the jury; decisions communicated to winners prior to public announcement
Award announcement	N/A	—	Winners announced publicly on the Cundill Prize website and via press releases (typically in November)

Submission and triage

Judges Submissions accepted from publishers and authors; initial triage/administrative review by the Cundill Prize team at McGill University.

Announcement Longlist/shortlist information published on the official website

Jury deliberation

Judges A jury of prominent historians and writers appointed by McGill University evaluates finalists and selects winners.

Announcement Finalists and winners determined by the jury; decisions communicated to winners prior to public announcement

Award announcement

Judges N/A

Announcement Winners announced publicly on the Cundill Prize website and via press releases (typically in November)

Criteria

Historical scholarship
Originality
Literary quality
Broad appeal to general readers
Book published within the eligible publication period (past year)
Translations permitted (with appropriate translator credit)

Application Tips

Dos

Check: First confirm that the book's publication date falls within the eligibility period (past year, etc.)
In application materials, emphasize the use of primary sources, original research results, and clarity of arguments
Demonstrate the readability of the writing, literary quality, and appeal to general readers
For translated works, clearly state translator information and specify the handling of the translation prize split (80%/20%)

Don''ts

Do not submit works outside the eligibility period
Do not submit translated works without including translator information or consent
Do not omit necessary supplementary materials (references, publisher information, etc.)

From Judges

Emphasize both scholarly rigor based on solid historical materials and facts, and engaging narrative that attracts readers
Clearly demonstrate originality (unique perspective) and its substantiation
Aim for expressions that convey to not only experts but also a wide range of readers