Law School Alumna Wins National Book Award

Annette Gordon-Reed’s book on a slave family owned by Thomas Jefferson takes the nonfiction prize.

This year’s National Book Award for nonfiction went to The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family, by Annette Gordon-Reed, J.D. ’84.

The book follows three generations of a slave family owned by Thomas Jefferson. It beat out This Republic of Suffering—University president Drew Faust’s account of the Civil War’s staggering death toll and how it changed Americans’ view of death—which was also a finalist in the nonfiction category. (Read an excerpt from Faust’s book in the Harvard Magazine archives.)

Other finalists with Harvard connections included Joan Wickersham, author of this magazine’s 2007 cover story “Bricks and Politics: What gets built at Harvard, what doesn’t, and why,” a nonfiction nominee for her memoir, The Suicide Index: Putting My Father’s Death in Order; and Frank Bidart, A.M. ’67, nominated for his book of poems, Watching the Spring Festival.

To learn more, read the New York Times account, or visit the National Book Foundation website.

Most popular

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Are Noncitizens’ Speech Rights Protected?

Harvard faculty testify in a federal lawsuit over free speech and deportations.

Explore More From Current Issue

Harvard’s Comedy and Improv Scene

In comedy groups, students find ways to be absurd, present, and a little less self-conscious.

New Harvard Overseers and HAA Directors

Alumni showed increased interest in this year’s elections.

Salsa Squared

Latin dancing fills the streets in Harvard Square