Pushkin House (the center for Russian culture and language in London), together with Waterstones (a book retail network), have instituted the Russian Book Prize. The Prize will be awarded to the best authors of books on Russia written in English.
The official announcement of institutors of the Prize states that Waterstones will be the Prize sponsor for the first three years. The award is designed to further the understanding of the Russian-speaking world. The Prize will be awarded to non-fiction books on Russia. The
prize money sum is £5,000.
The first winner of the
Russian Book Prize will be announced next summer. This will take place during the prestigious Hay Festival of Literature and Arts.
The members of the panel of judges are already known. The panel consists of former UK ambassador to Moscow and author of historical books Sir Rodric Braithwaite; head of Moscow Carnegie Centre Dmitri Trenin; journalist and novelist Andrew Miller; and Russia-studying academicians Lord Skidelsky and Rachel Polonsky.
The contest is for books first published in 2012. The shortlist of nominees will be announced in 2013.
