Awards for Excellence in the Study of Religion and Best First Book in the History of Religions Book Award Juries

Charge:  To select the winners in the Awards for Excellence in the Study of Religion and the Best First Book in the History of Religions book prizes.

Composition:  Five juries of up to four members each. 

Term of Service:  Four years, non-renewable.

Meetings Schedule:

• Virtual meeting in summer via Zoom.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Book Award jurors participate in the following:

• The book awards consist of five categories: four award categories in the Awards for Excellence in the Study of Religion and one award for the Best First Book in the History of Religions. Jurors serve on just one of those five juries.
• Jurors will read 5 to 7 shortlisted books over the summer.

Timeline of Activities:

• Late February: Online library of submissions available to each jury’s chair. Chairs may use this library, which includes full publication information (with book description/abstract) to make a first round of cuts if they wish.
• Mid-March: Books identified as second-round picks by the chairs are mailed to them.
• April 15: Jury chairs provide their shortlists of 5 to 7 books. AAR contacts publishers to have review copies sent to the remaining jurors.
• May through July: Juries read shortlisted titles, and the chair arranges deliberations with jurors in whatever format they wish. AAR can provide tele- or videoconference services.
• July 31: Chair notifies AAR of the winner with a short supporting brief.

Analytical-Descriptive Studies Jury

Constructive-Reflective Studies Jury

Historical Studies Jury

History of Religions Jury

Textual Studies Jury