Just learned the terrific news last night that A Journey Through Literary America has won the Eric Hoffer Award in the category of Art Book.
From the award notice for the art category: Titles in this category capture the experience, execution, or demonstration of the arts, including art, fine art, graphic art, architecture, design, photography, and coffee table books.
Winner
A Journey Through Literary America, Thomas R. Hummel, photographs by Tamra L. Dempsey, Val De Grâce Books – This unique literary tour spans the country to highlight the life and work of America’s best-known writers. From Washington Iriving (1783-1859) to Richard Ford (1944- ), both the essays and photos delve into the writer’s biographies and major literary achievements. It is a unique point of view and perhaps overdue in literary examinations. Expected elements such as Nathaniel Hawthorne’s House of Seven Gables and Langston Hughes’ Harlem don the pages. Steinbeck’s Salinas wasn’t missed, but little treats like Sherwood Anderson’s houses, Philip Roth’s Weequahic, and Faulkner’s map of Yoknapatawpha County help bind the collection.”