The Fredson Bowers Award
The Fredson Bowers Award from the Bibliographical Society of America recognizes outstanding research on the physical and historical aspects of books and textual artifacts.
Funder: Bibliographical Society of America
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (for 2027 award cycle)
Funding Amounts: $1,500 (single award; classified as a Major Grant by the Bibliographical Society of the UK)
Summary: Recognizes outstanding research in bibliography and the study of books and textual artifacts, with a focus on the physical object as historical evidence.
Key Information: Applications are submitted via the Bibliographical Society (UK); BSA membership required to accept the award.
Description
The Fredson Bowers Award, jointly supported by the Bibliographical Society of America (BSA) and the Bibliographical Society of the UK, honors exceptional research in bibliography and textual studies. The award encourages projects that analyze the physical characteristics of texts—ranging from ancient tablets to digital works—as historical evidence. The program values research into the establishment of texts, the history of book or manuscript production, and the impact of publication and collecting practices. This award highlights the importance of bibliographical study as a framework for understanding the transmission and materiality of texts.
