The James Tait Black Prizes
The James Tait Black Prizes logo

The UK's longest running literary award

Established in 1919, the James Tait Black Prizes are the only major book prize judged by scholars and students.

two readers sit on old fashioned chairs and read a book together

The book prizes are awarded annually for the best work of fiction and the best biography published in the previous year.

Book prizes

The James Tait Black Prize for Drama is on pause, submissions may re-open in January 2025.

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Highlights from our news reports and previous award ceremonies.