The Duff Cooper Prize is a literary prize awarded to the best works in nonfiction. Founded in memory of Duff Cooper, a statesman, diplomat and author – the first award was made in 1956 and has been given annually ever since.
A History of the Bible was selected as the winning book from among five shortlisted titles, including a book by a former Booker Prize winner. Since its publication in 2019, A History of the Bible has been highly received and was listed in the Sunday Times Bestsellers list and Sunday Times and Observer Book of the Year 2019 list.
For Professor Barton, the news of the award took him by surprise: ‘I am absolutely astonished that a book on the Bible, let alone mine, should win this prize. It is encouraging that a book on the Bible could even appear on the shortlist.’
Artemis Cooper, Chair of the judges said: 'In his A History of the Bible John Barton focuses not so much on what the Bible is trying to say but how it has been read over the centuries. The book impressed all our judges with its scholarship and readability, and we are delighted that it has won the prize.'
Many congratulations to Professor Barton on his well-deserved recognition.
You can read coverage of the award by The Bookseller, and reviews of A History of the Bible by The Guardian, The Evening Standard, and The Church Times.
