7 June 2022


Pushkin House Book Prize 2022

The Empress and the English Doctor has been shortlisted for the Pushkin House Book Prize 2022. The prize, awarded annually and now in its tenth year, recognises the very best non-fiction writing on Russia. It highlights books which combine excellence in research with readability.

Announcing the shortlist, the organisers wrote: ‘Titles on this year’s shortlist provide insight into cultural life under Stalinism, Soviet family history, climate change, health and life on the Russia-China border as well as the background to the war in Ukraine. The tenth anniversary year of the Prize takes place at a time of seismic shifts that have changed attitudes in and towards Russia. To mark the decade of the Prize, and recognising the importance of the valuable insights that research and scholars offer into the Russian speaking world at this pivotal moment, the judges have exceptionally shortlisted ten books rather than the usual six.

Four of the books offer direct context on the history and politics of the country in the years leading up to the invasion, helping to promote public understanding and informed debate about Russia’s past, present and future, in line with the Prize’s long-term mission.”

A  Pushkin House Q&A with Lucy about her interest in Russia and in the inoculation of Catherine II can be found here.

The £10,000 prize will be awarded to the overall winner on 28 September 2022 by a distinguished jury. The prize dinner will be held at the London Library, and is open to the public. Tickets are available here.

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