Barbellion Prize

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Barbellion Prize

The Barbellion Prize is an annual literary award dedicated to the recognition of the work of authors who write about chronic illness and disability. Named after the English diarist W.N.P. Barbellion, the prize aims to celebrate the voices of those who live with chronic conditions and disabilities, providing a platform for their stories and experiences.

History

The Barbellion Prize was established in 2020 to honor the legacy of W.N.P. Barbellion, the pen name of Bruce Frederick Cummings, who is best known for his work The Journal of a Disappointed Man. Barbellion's writings provide a poignant and honest account of his life with multiple sclerosis, and the prize seeks to continue this tradition of candid and impactful storytelling.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Barbellion Prize is open to authors of any nationality, writing in English. Eligible works include fiction, memoir, biography, poetry, and critical non-fiction that address the subject of chronic illness or disability. The prize is awarded based on the quality of the writing and the authenticity of the representation of living with a chronic condition or disability.

Winners and Shortlists

The inaugural winner of the Barbellion Prize in 2020 was Samantha Walton for her book Everybody Needs Beauty. Subsequent winners and shortlisted authors have included a diverse range of voices, each contributing unique perspectives on the experience of chronic illness and disability.

Significance

The Barbellion Prize plays a crucial role in highlighting the often underrepresented narratives of individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. By providing recognition and support to these authors, the prize helps to foster a greater understanding and empathy within the broader literary community and society at large.

See Also

• W.N.P. Barbellion
• Literary awards
• Chronic illness
• Disability in literature