Somerset Maugham Award

Somerset Maugham Award. The Somerset Maugham Award is a prestigious British literary prize established by the renowned author W. Somerset Maugham in 1947. Administered by The Society of Authors, it is specifically designed to encourage young writers from the United Kingdom to enrich their work by gaining experience of foreign cultures. The award is unique among major literary prizes for its stipulation that the prize money must be spent on travel abroad.

History and establishment

The award was founded in 1947 through a bequest in the will of W. Somerset Maugham, one of the most popular and financially successful authors of the early 20th century, known for works like Of Human Bondage and The Moon and Sixpence. Maugham, a seasoned traveler who drew inspiration from his journeys across Asia and the South Pacific, intended the prize to provide young writers with similar broadening experiences. The inaugural award was presented in 1948, with the administration entrusted to The Society of Authors, an organization that also oversees other notable prizes such as the Betty Trask Award and the Eric Gregory Award. The establishment of the award reflected the post-war era's growing interest in international perspectives, coinciding with a period of significant change in British literature.

Eligibility and selection process

Eligibility is restricted to writers of British nationality who are under the age of thirty-five at the time of the award announcement. The award judges a published work of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, but not drama, submitted by the author or their publisher. A panel of judges, typically composed of distinguished literary figures appointed by The Society of Authors, reviews the submissions. The selection process is highly competitive, focusing on literary merit and the potential of the writer. Unlike many other prizes, there is no shortlist publicly announced, and the winner is often revealed directly. The prize money, which has varied over the decades, is granted with the legal condition that it be used for travel outside the United Kingdom.

Notable winners and works

The award has an illustrious roster of recipients, many of whom have become defining figures in contemporary literature. Early winners include the poet and novelist Kingsley Amis for his debut Lucky Jim in 1955 and John le Carré for his espionage novel The Spy Who Came in from the Cold in 1964. Later, it recognized the burgeoning talents of Seamus Heaney for his poetry collection Death of a Naturalist in 1968 and Margaret Drabble for her novel The Millstone in 1966. In the 1970s, winners included Martin Amis for The Rachel Papers and Bruce Chatwin for In Patagonia. More recent laureates feature prominent names like Zadie Smith for White Teeth, Sarah Waters for Tipping the Velvet, and Simon Armitage for his poetry collection Kid.

Impact and legacy

The award has had a profound impact on the careers of its winners, providing not only financial support but also significant early validation and public recognition. Its unique travel stipulation has directly influenced the scope and subject matter of subsequent works by authors such as Bruce Chatwin and Paul Theroux, fostering a tradition of literary travel writing within British letters. By identifying and supporting emerging talent, the award has helped shape the landscape of post-war and contemporary British literature, with its winners frequently going on to receive other major honors like the Booker Prize and the Costa Book Awards. Its legacy is that of a crucial incubator for literary excellence, championing a outward-looking, cosmopolitan perspective in writing.

Administration and funding

The award is wholly administered by The Society of Authors, a professional body for writers in the United Kingdom that manages a portfolio of literary awards and grants. Funding originates from the original endowment established by W. Somerset Maugham's bequest. The society's awards committee is responsible for appointing judges, setting annual guidelines, and managing the submission process. Financial administration, including the disbursement of the prize money—which is often around £10,000—and ensuring compliance with the travel condition, falls under the society's purview. This structure ensures the award's continuity and adherence to its founder's specific philanthropic vision.

Category:Literary awards