The 2019 Jury

Alan Taylor, Chair of the Jury - Thomas Jefferson Foundation Chair in American History, University of Virginia

“I am delighted to work with such an insightful and accomplished jury to evaluate the best-written works in history for the premier international prize in our field. The Cundill Prize helps to advance literary quality as well as research originality in history writing.”

Charlotte Gray - Adjunct Research Professor in the Department of History, Carleton University

“It is a great honour to serve on this distinguished jury for the most significant award in the field of history. I look forward to thinking about the interplay between excellent history and compelling writing as we assess the work of some of the world’s most skilled historians.”

Robert Gerwarth - Professor of Modern History, University College Dublin

“I’m delighted to serve on the jury for the 2019 Cundill History Prize. At a time of ‘post-truths’ and contested pasts, it seems more important than ever to celebrate outstanding works of history writing.” 

Jane Kamensky - Jonathan Trumbull Professor of American History, Harvard University

“During its eleven-year run, this prize has done a terrific job bringing fresh scholarship and sharp writing to international attention. The best history writing moves us as much as it teaches us. It shows us who we are and how we got here. Never have we needed those lessons more.”

Rana Mitter - Director of the University China Centre, University of Oxford

“I was truly impressed by the global and chronological reach of the books I read  in my previous stint as a judge, which was a little like undertaking the world’s most intense history tutorial, particularly when we are living through times that future historians will no doubt think truly historic. I am hugely looking forward to reading and learning from another selection of some of the most exciting works in history being written today.”