The 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding has revealed its shortlist, featuring six remarkable writers from around the world. This prestigious international non-fiction award, valued at GBP 25,000, recognizes outstanding contributions to the public's comprehension of diverse world cultures and their interconnectedness. Let's dive into the vibrant narratives and authors who made the cut.
Nandini Das: 'Courting India'
Nandini Das, originally from India and now residing in the UK, takes us on a historical journey with her debut work, 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire.' This beautifully written book delves into England's first diplomatic mission to India in the early 1600s, offering a rich tapestry of biography and historical narrative. The judges hail Das's perspective-shifting storytelling as groundbreaking, providing vital insights into global connections and shifting power dynamics during this pivotal period of world history.
Kris Manjapra: 'Black Ghost of Empire'
Caribbean-born Kris Manjapra, with African and Indian roots, presents 'Black Ghost of Empire: The Long Death of Slavery and the Failure of Emancipation.' His poignant work examines the protracted demise of slavery and the shortcomings of emancipation. The judges commend Manjapra's restrained passion, noting his detailed and unsettling account of the false dawn that accompanied the formal abolition of slavery in the 19th century. This book resurrects the memory of the enslaved and challenges the denial of their ghosts in our social order.
A Global Perspective
The British Academy Book Prize is open to authors of any nationality, residing anywhere in the world, who have published their work in English in the UK. This year's shortlist showcases the authors' exceptional ability to unearth new discoveries and offer fresh perspectives on established notions.
The Diverse Shortlist
The 2023 shortlist is an eclectic mix of narratives that traverse cultures, time, and memory:
- Daniel Foliard: Based in France, Foliard's 'The Violence of Colonial Photography' explores the role of photography in the history of British and French imperialism.
- Irene Vallejo: Hailing from Spain, Vallejo's 'Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World' chronicles the literary culture of antiquity.
- Tania Branigan: A UK-based journalist, Branigan unveils 'Red Memory,' unearthing rarely-heard stories from China.
- Dimitris Xygalatas: Based in the US, Xygalatas presents 'Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living,' offering insights into the significance of rituals in our lives.
The Grand Finale
The winner of the GBP 25,000 prize will be revealed at an awards ceremony in London on October 31st, where each shortlisted writer will also receive GBP 1,000.
The 2023 judging panel is composed of distinguished individuals, including Professor Madawi Al-Rasheed, Professor Rebecca Earle, Fatima Manji, and Professor Gary Younge. Their discerning eyes and diverse perspectives ensure that the British Academy Book Prize continues to celebrate global cultural understanding.
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