Michael Shaara Prize

The Michael Shaara Prize for Excellence in Civil War Fiction

In 1997, Jeff Shaara, the critically acclaimed best-selling author established The Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. This award is named in honor of his father, the author of the novel The Killer Angels. In 2005, the Prize moved to the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College. A $5,000 prize will be awarded annually at Gettysburg.

If you would like to nominate a title for the Michael Shaara Award, please visit the "About the Shaara Prize" on the left navigational bar.

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Author Nick Taylor wins 2009 Shaara Prize

Nick Taylor has been selected as the winner of the 2009 Michael Shaara Prize for Excellence in Civil War Fiction for his novel, The Disagreement. He is an English professor at San Jose State University, and resides in the Bay Area.  

 

 

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 Author Donald McCaig
wins 2008 Shaara Prize
for Civil War Fiction

Donald McCaig has been selected as the winner of the 2008 Michael Shaara Prize for Civil War fiction for his novel Canaan.  He has also authored Jacob's Ladder and resides in rural Virginia. 

 

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Author Howard Bahr
wins 2007 Shaara Prize
for Civil War Fiction

09/19/2007

GETTYSBURG, Pa. - Critically acclaimed author Howard Bahr has won the 2007 Michael Shaara Prize for Excellence in Civil War Fiction for his book, "The Judas Field."

Bahr was born August 3, 1946, in Meridian, Miss. From 1964 to 1968, he served as a gunner's mate in the United States Navy, participating in coastal and amphibious operations in Vietnam and the Western Pacific. After his service, Bahr worked as a brakeman and yard clerk on several railroads in the South and Midwest. In 1973, Bahr enrolled at the University of Mississippi where he earned a bachelor's degree majoring in English and history and a master's in English. He completed the coursework and examinations for a doctoral degree, but withdrew before completing a dissertation. From 1976 to 1993, he was on the staff at Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner, serving as curator from 1982 to 1993. He was also an instructor of literature at the University of Mississippi. In 1993, Bahr became an English professor at Motlow State Community College in Lynchburg, Tenn., until 2006. Bahr has published in various magazines and journals including "Southern Living," "Civil War Times Illustrated," "The Southern Partisan" and "The Saturday Evening Post." He is the author of "The Black Flower," "The Year of Jubilo," "Pelican Road" and a children's book, "Home for Christmas." He lives in Jackson, Miss.

To read Bahr's acceptance comments . . . click here.