Selena Wisnom shortlisted for Wolfson History Prize

Congratulations to Selena Wisnom, who has been shortlisted for the Wolfson History Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for history writing. Selena’s book, The Library of Ancient Wisdom: Mesopotamia and the Making of History (Allen Lane), is among the six titles shortlisted for the prize, which celebrates outstanding historical writing for a general audience.

The prize judges said: “Wisnom’s book offers a thrilling panorama of ancient Mesopotamian society and culture, bringing its strikingly sophisticated systems of thought and belief to life for modern readers.”

Selena Wisnom said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the Wolfson Prize. It’s a truly special honour, since writing rigorous history in an accessible way has always been important to me. Ancient Mesopotamia was absolutely critical for world history, so I’m delighted that the subject is getting this recognition and I hope it encourages more people to study the Near East. Being able to read words written thousands of years ago in the original is a transformative kind of time travel.”