Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Book Awards

The Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU) and the Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society established the National Book Award (NBA) in 1979 to recognize outstanding publishing contributions and achievements by faculty and administrators of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the United States.  It has since been expanded to include the two Jesuit theologates, and two Jesuit institutions in Canada and Korea.  The awards are given to authors of books published in the humanities, professional studies, and the sciences based on a three-year rotation.  Four $1,000 prizes are awarded each year to the winners in the specified disciplines.  The present cycle is: 2005 - The Humanities; 2006 - The Sciences; and 2007 - Professional Studies.  The rotation begins again in 2008.

Although the book awards are sponsored by AJCU and ASN, authors do not have to be a member of Alpha Sigma Nu or the Society of Jesus.  Any member of the faculty or administration, as well as emeriti of the eligible Jesuit institutions may submit an entry.  Works must be submitted by the author.  The submitted work must be published in the three-year period prior to the award year.

Books are judged according to an exacting list of criteria: serious and exact scholarship, significant topic of continuing importance to scholars in several disciplines, mastery of extensive literature, spirit of authority in interpretation, impressive spirit of objectivity, and research findings handled with skill and assurance. 

The deadline for applications is March 1 of the award year.  Awards are announced October 1. 

For further information on how to apply, go to www.AlphaSigmaNu.org .