The Neustadt International Prize for Literature is an award given every two years for literature. It is supported by the University of Oklahoma and its international literary publication, World Literature Today. This prize is one of the most respected international literary awards and is often compared to the Nobel Prize in Literature. The New York Times called it “The Oklahoma Nobel” in 1982, and it is sometimes called the “American Nobel.” Since it started in 1970, about 30 people who won the prize, were considered for it, or were judges have also received Nobel Prizes. Like the Nobel Prize, the Neustadt Prize is given to individuals for all their work, not just one piece.
History
The Neustadt International Prize for Literature was created in 1969 as the Books Abroad International Prize for Literature by Ivar Ivask, who was the editor of Books Abroad. Later, it was renamed the Books Abroad/Neustadt Prize. In 1976, the prize was renamed again to its current name, the Neustadt International Prize for Literature.
Award
The Prize includes a silver eagle feather, a certificate, and $50,000 USD. The award was funded by Walter and Doris Neustadt of Ardmore, Oklahoma, to guarantee that the prize will continue forever.
The rules for the Neustadt Prize state that it is given to honor exceptional work in poetry, fiction, or drama. It is awarded only based on the quality of the writing. Any living author who writes in any language may be considered, as long as part of their work is available in English, the language used by the judges. The prize can recognize a lifetime of accomplishments or bring attention to important writing that is still growing. The prize is not something people can apply for directly.
Selection
Candidates are chosen by a group of at least seven people. Selection is not limited by where they live, what language they speak, or what type of writing they do.
The Neustadt International Prize for Literature is the only award of this kind created in the United States. It is one of the few prizes where poets, novelists, and playwrights have the same chance to win.