Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography Essay Prize

An annual essay prize awarded by the Andrew W. Mellon Society of Fellows in Critical Bibliography (SoFCB) at Rare Book School. The prize recognizes outstanding scholarly essays in critical bibliography, material culture studies, book history, and related fields that demonstrate innovative methodology and significant scholarly contribution.

Geographic Scope: United States and international

Focus Areas:

• Critical bibliography
• Material culture studies
• Book history
• Bibliography methodology
• History of science (as it relates to material culture)
• History of art and bibliography
• Textual studies
• Archive studies

Eligibility: Published essays in peer-reviewed journals or scholarly publications

Prize Details:

• Cash award (amount not specified in materials)
• Underwritten by Kimball Higgs, supporter of Rare Book School and Columbia University School of Library Service alumnus
• Committee members: Elizabeth Yale, Brenna Wynn Greer, Steffi Dippold

Recent Winners (2020): Elizabeth Neswald, "Things that Don't Talk Much and Things That Feel: Developing a Material Culture Methodology for 'Black Box' Medical Devices," Nuncius 35 (2020): 632-59

Application Process

1. Submit published essay appearing in peer-reviewed journal or scholarly publication
2. Essay must be in English or accompanied by English translation
3. Submit through format specified on SoFCB website

Deadline: Typically announced annually (contact SoFCB for specific deadline)

Required Materials:

• Published essay
• Bibliographic information
• Author contact information

Questions: Email contactRBS@virginia.edu or see SoFCB website