Rick Atkinson Honored with $50,000 Prize for Revolutionary War History Masterpiece

Celebrated Historian Rick Atkinson Wins Major Award

In a significant achievement for historical literature, military historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson has been awarded the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History, which carries a $50,000 prize. The accolade recognizes his second volume in a meticulously crafted trilogy on the American Revolutionary War, titled "The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780."

This honor marks the third annual presentation of the prize, which highlights exceptional military history works focusing on the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. The award is notably funded by a generous donor to ensure that the resources of the American Battlefield Trust are not compromised. Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Trust has worked tirelessly to protect over 63,000 acres across 160 historic battlefields nationwide.

Atkinson expressed his gratitude upon receiving the news: "I am thrilled, and deeply honored, by this extraordinarily generous gesture. I have profound respect for what the American Battlefield Trust is doing for the country, and I am proud to be associated with such a noble cause." His previous accolades include a Pulitzer Prize in both journalism and military history, a testament to his versatile talent and dedication in chronicling American military conflicts.

In conjunction with Atkinson’s win, two other authors received honorable mentions: A. Wilson Greene for "A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg Volume 2, From the Crater's Aftermath to the Battle of Burgess Mill," and Richard Bell’s "The American Revolution and the Fate of the World." Both authors are recognized for their contributions to understanding the historical significance of military actions and their implications on a global scale.

The award ceremony is set to take place in October, with all finalists invited to present at the Trust's Battlefield BookFest in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, scheduled for November 13-14. This literary event aims to inspire a broader appreciation for America’s rich and complex history.

Other notable finalists for this year’s award include Ken Burns and Geoffrey Ward for "The American Revolution" and John Ferling’s "Shots Heard Round the World," both significant works that contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding America’s fight for independence.

Additionally, the award aims not only to celebrate literary excellence but also to further public understanding of America’s battlegrounds. The American Battlefield Trust encourages everyone to learn more about their efforts to preserve these sites, which offer a glimpse into the sacrifices and strategies that shaped the nation’s history. Their work ensures that current and future generations recognize the importance of these locations and the events that transpired there.

If you wish to delve deeper into Rick Atkinson’s work, the American Battlefield Trust has provided more information on their website. Readers can also engage in discussions about historical literature on social media using the hashtag #BattlefieldBookPrize, underscoring the community's active interest in military history and the role it plays in today’s society.

As we've witnessed with Atkinson’s accomplishments, the art of storytelling through history continues to hold immense power, allowing us to reflect on the past as we navigate the complexities of the present. Store this moment as a reminder of the necessity of preserving our historical narratives, which are as transformative as they are educational.