Blackwell’s has announced the winners of their Book of the Year awards.
The bookshop announce its three category winners, as voted for by a panel of Blackwell’s booksellers from across the UK.
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes has been named Fiction Book of the Year, Emperor of Rome by Professor Mary Beard is Non-Fiction Book of the Year, and Greenwild by Pari Thomson has won Children’s Book of the Year.
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The three category winners represent the books Blackwell’s booksellers are most passionate about recommending to customers this year.
Each of the titles is now in the running to win Blackwell’s Book of the Year 2023, which will be announced on Tuesday, November 28.
Commercial manager for Blackwell’s, Zool Verjee said: “I am incredibly proud of this shortlist.
"Our booksellers are champions of outstanding writing and each of these titles is thoroughly deserving of its place on the list.”
In Ascension tells the story of a scientist, enchanted by the undersea world of her childhood, travelling the globe to study ancient organisms.
Martin MacInnes said: “I’m thrilled by this news, and very grateful to Blackwell’s and their booksellers for picking out In Ascension and giving it their support. I worked as a bookseller for many years, and it means a lot to receive this accolade for a book that I gave everything to.”
Greenwild, an enchanting portal fantasy, follows a daring escape from boarding school as Daisy Thistledown finds a doorway in Kew Gardens that leads her to a whole world that exists alongside her own.
Pari Thomson said: “I am both honoured and delighted that Greenwild: The World Behind the Door has been chosen as Blackwell’s Children’s Book of the Year, and shortlisted for Blackwell’s Book of the Year.
"I have so many wonderful memories of visiting Blackwell’s as a child and later as a student, so this feels incredibly special.
"A million thanks to all Blackwell's booksellers and to everyone who has read, shared and spoken about the book - it’s a dream come true.”
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Narrated along topics such as dining, governing, and travelling, Emperor of Rome makes for an immersive experience, giving readers unique insights into what life was really like, both for the emperors themselves, and the subjects over whom they wielded their imperial power.
Professor Mary Beard said: “I am absolutely delighted that Emperor of Rome is Blackwell's Non-Fiction Book of the Year.
"I have relied on the wonderful Blackwell's stores all my adult life, so this means something very special to me.
"I am also very pleased for the Romans themselves, still worth writing about after 2000 years.
"The emperor Augustus would I am sure be delighted too!”
Blackwell’s was founded on New Year’s Day 1879, at 50 Broad Street, Oxford.
The bookshop now has sixteen stores across the UK, with Flagship shops in Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh and Heffers in Cambridge.
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