Oxford professor shortlisted for £50k Wolfson History Prize

Professor Nandini Das, a professor of early modern literature and culture in the English faculty at Oxford University, has been nominated for the Wolfson History Prize for her book, 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire'.

The book re-examines Thomas Roe’s expedition to India in 1616 and challenges our understanding of Britain and its early influence in the subcontinent.

The judges described it as "illuminating, compelling and wonderfully rich in detail" and "a startlingly original account of the early diplomatic encounter between Britain and precolonial India".

Professor Nandini Das has been shortlisted for her book, 'Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire' (Image: Midas) Now in its 52nd year, the Wolfson History Prize celebrates books that combine "excellence in research" with "readability for a general audience".

The other books shortlisted for this year's prize are 'Shadows at Noon: The South Asian Twentieth Century' by Joya Chatterji, 'Traders in Men: Merchants and the Transformation of the Transatlantic Slave Trade' by Nicholas Radburn, 'Our NHS: A History of Britain’s Best-Loved Institution' by Andrew Seaton, 'Winnie & Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage' by Jonny Steinberg, and 'Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022' by Frank Trentmann.

The books on this year’s shortlist cover multiple centuries and countries, with a focus on major turning points in the histories of the Americas, Britain, Bangladesh, Germany, India, Pakistan and South Africa.

David Cannadine, chair of the Wolfson History Prize judges, said: "This year’s shortlist showcases the extraordinary range and breadth of contemporary historical writing.

"From politics, slavery and international relations to healthcare and societal transformation, the six titles – with subjects spanning continents and centuries – offer profound insights and stand out for their rigorous research and compelling storytelling."

Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, added: "We are excited to announce the shortlist for the Wolfson History Prize 2024, celebrating the very best history writing in the UK today.

The six shortlisted authors will receive a combined £75,000 in prize money (Image: Rik Pennington Photography) "Our judges have done a remarkable job in choosing six books which combine excellent research with readability.

"They now have the unenviable task of selecting only one winner from this magnificent shortlist.

"These are books that are eminently worth reading: eye-opening, important and at times painful accounts of human history.

"They not only sparkle but also remind us that the past is always with us, and ultimately why history writing matters."

The overall winner of the Wolfson History Prize 2024 will be revealed at a ceremony in central London on Monday, December 2.

The winner will receive £50,000, while each of the five shortlisted authors will receive £5,000.