Books Honored by the National Book Awards

The mission of the National Book Foundation and the National Book Awards is to celebrate the best of American literature, to expand its audience, and to enhance the cultural value of great writing in America. Since 1996, independent panels of five writers have chosen the National Book Award winners in four categories: Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry, and Young People’s Literature.

The first African-American writer to win a National Book Award was Ralph Ellison for Invisible Man.

Check Out AALBC’s Coverage of the National Book Awards:  2017 – 2016 – 2015 – 2014 – 2013

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2 Books Honored by the National Book Awards in 1991

Winner - Nonfiction

Book Description: 
This magisterial work traces the history of our most cherished value. Patterson links the birth of freedom in primitive societies with the institution of slavery, and traces the evolution of three forms of freedom in the West from antiquity through the Middle Ages.

Finalist - Poetry

Book Description: 
A fine softcover copy. Inscribed by the poet. Tight binding. Clean, unmarked pages. Not ex-library. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilogram. Category: Poetry; Signed by Author. ’ 0807116416. ISBN/EAN: 9780807116418. Inventory No: 012322.