Senior Tutor and Fellow Dr Clare Jackson was named the winner of the Wolfson History Prize last night.
Her book, Devil-Land: England Under Siege 1588-1688 was described by judges as: “a masterpiece that will change our view of the 17th century. Exciting and well-written, it provides fresh insights by looking at England through European eyes.”
The award ceremony in London marked the prize’s 50 years of recognising outstanding history writing, and celebrated the six books shortlisted for the 2022 prize.
Dr Jackson said: “I’m delighted and deeply honoured to have won the Wolfson History Prize which recognises historical writing that combines academic scholarship with accessibility for a broad readership.
“It’s thrilling to join the hugely distinguished list of previous prize-winners and to share in the celebrations of the Wolfson History Prize’s special 50th anniversary year. I’m so grateful, not only to the Wolfson Foundation, but also to my publisher Allen Lane and colleagues, friends and family for so much support and encouragement.”
Notable winners in the past have included Mary Beard, Simon Schama, Eric Hobsbawm, Amanda Vickery, Antony Beevor, Christopher Bayly, and Antonia Fraser.
Dr Jackson was joined at the ceremony by Trinity Hall colleagues, including the Vice-Master Dr Daniel Tyler. He said: “I am thrilled that Dr Jackson has won the prestigious Wolfson History Prize for her remarkable book Devil-Land.
“It is a stunning achievement and a fine reward for a captivating book that offers a fresh perspective on the turbulent history of 17th century Britain.”
Dr Jackson is Senior Tutor, Walter Grant Scott Fellow, College Associate Professor and Director of Studies in History at Trinity Hall.
The books shortlisted for this year’s prize were:
- The Ottomans: Khans, Caesars and Caliphs by Marc David Baer (Basic Books)
- The Ruin of All Witches: Life and Death in the New World by Malcolm Gaskill (Allen Lane)
- Devil-Land: England Under Siege, 1588-1688 by Clare Jackson (Allen Lane)
- Going to Church in Medieval England by Nicholas Orme (Yale University Press)
- God: An Anatomy by Francesca Stavrakopoulou (Picador)
- Fallen Idols: Twelve Statues That Made History by Alex von Tunzelmann (Headline)
Image credit: Alastair McCormick
