The National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) has made an unprecedented move by releasing its inaugural biography longlist as part of its 50th-anniversary celebrations. As the nation’s only literary prize determined by book critics themselves, the NBCC is renowned for honoring exceptional writing and igniting national conversations about literature.
On December 17, the NBCC shared its first-ever longlist specifically dedicated to the biography genre. This announcement is a segment of their week-long celebration running from December 16 to December 19, during which longlists for fiction, nonfiction, autobiography, poetry, and criticism will also be unveiled. This initiative aligns with the NBCC’s aim to recognize and promote diverse literary voices.
The biography longlist features a variety of compelling works, including ‘Candida Royalle and the Sexual Revolution: A History from Below’ by Jane Kamensky and ‘Candy Darling: Dreamer, Icon, Superstar’ by Cynthia Carr. Other notable entries include ‘Family Romance: John Singer Sargent and the Wertheimers’ by Jean Strouse and ‘Monet: The Restless Vision’ by Jackie Wullschläger.
Among the longlisted authors, Tiya Miles’ ‘Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People’ and Max Boot’s ‘Reagan: His Life and Legend’ stand out for their unique perspectives on historical figures. Additional recognized works include ‘The World She Edited: Katharine S. White at The New Yorker’ by Amy Reading, and James Traub’s ‘True Believer: Hubert Humphrey’s Quest for a More Just America’.
The NBCC’s dedication to literary excellence is further evidenced by awards like the John Leonard Prize for debut books and the Gregg Barrios Book in Translation Prize. NBCC President Heather Scott Partington expressed pride in this year’s longlists, emphasizing the resilience and imagination reflected in the 2024 selections. In her statement, Partington highlighted the vital role these authors play, particularly “at a time when the freedom to read is under attack.”
She remarked, “We celebrate their fearlessness and artistic vision. These are vital words.” The finalists for these prominent awards are set to be announced on January 23, 2025, with the winners revealed at an awards ceremony on March 20, 2024.
The NBCC continues to play a pivotal role in the literary community, acknowledging and uplifting voices that challenge and inspire readers. This year’s longlists represent a testament to the enduring power and importance of literature.
Source: Yahoo
