At ECSSS’s fortieth birthday party in Philadelphia, the society launched a new initiative, the Richard B. Sher First Book Prize, named in honour of the society’s principal founder, executive secretary for its first thirty-seven years, and editor of its newsletter, Eighteenth-Century Scotland. The prize also recognizes Rick’s own very distinguished record as a book historian, as well as of eighteenth-century Scotland.
The prize recognizes authors whose first scholarly book contributes significantly to the field of eighteenth-century Scottish studies. Initially in the amount of $500, the prize will be awarded every two years, but in the initial competition books with a copyright date of between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2025 will be eligible. Authors wishing to apply should ask their publishers to nominate their book by sending one PDF copy of the published book to the chair of the prize committee, Emma Macleod (e.v.macleod@stir.ac.uk), by 15 July 2026. Authors must be members of ECSSS at the time of nomination (details of how to join are on the website!). The award will be announced early in 2027.
