We’re thrilled to share that Evan Mawdsley has won the 12^th annual Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize for his book, Supremacy at Sea. The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has bestowed Mawdsley with the prestigious prize which comes with a fund of $50,000. The honour is, in their words: “in recognition of the best eligible English-language book in the field of American military history, distinguished by its scholarship, its contribution to the literature, and its appeal to the broadest possible general reading public.” The non-profit itself has been running since 1994 and aims to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

An event celebrating the winner and the two shortlisted authors will take place on Tuesday 2 December at the Yale Club of New York. Tickets to attend this free program are available online.

Finalists for this year’s prize were chosen by a three-member jury chaired by Colonel (Retired) Kevin J. Weddle, Distinguished Fellow at United States Army War College, Michael S. Neiberg, Professor of History and Chair of War Studies at the United States Army War College, and Susannah J. Ural, Professor of History and Frank and Virginia Williams Chair for Abraham Lincoln and Civil War Studies at Mississippi State University.

The final choice was made by the prize board: James G. Basker, President and CEO of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History; Robert C. Daum, former chairman and current trustee of the American Battlefield Trust; Lieutenant General (Retired) Michelle D. Johnson; Robert H. Niehaus; and S. Griffin (Griff) Norquist III.

Of the book, judge James G. Basker said: “Supremacy at Sea is a masterfully researched and vividly narrated account that brings to life the strategic brilliance and operational might of the US Navy’s most formidable carrier force. Mawdsley’s deep historical insight and crisp prose transform complex naval engagements into an accessible, gripping chronicle of American maritime dominance in World War II.”

“This is an excellent narrative history of what was arguably the most powerful naval force ever created, the US Navy’s Task Force 58 of the Pacific Fleet,” wrote jury chair Kevin Weddle in his report to the prize board. He continued, “A particularly noteworthy feature of Supremacy at Sea is Mawdsley’s deep dive into the logistical support of this immense and complex force.”

“As an historian I am greatly honoured to receive what has become such a prestigious prize for the profession. I also strongly welcome the Gilder Lehrman Institute’s encouragement of history that is both of high quality and attractive to a broad audience, and especially to students. It is important that this encouragement includes military history as a rich subject fully worthy of study,” said Evan Mawdsley.

For more information read the press release here.