
The PEN Ackerley Prize is awarded in J R Ackerley’s memory for a literary autobiography of excellence.
The prize was first awarded in 1982. Following the death of Joe Randolph Ackerley (1896 – 1967), author and long-time literary editor of The Listener magazine, his sister Nancy endowed a literary prize in his memory.
Ackerley’s posthumous royalties continue to provide capital for this award.
A longlist of eligible books is nominated by the judges, who are the Trustees of the fund set up for this purpose.
The award is given to a literary autobiography of excellence, written by an author of British nationality and published during the preceding year, for which it is felt that J.R. Ackerley would have expressed enthusiasm.
Read more about Ackerley’s life and work at www.jrackerley.com
Image credit: The Estate of J.R. Ackerley 2020