University of Leicester Professor Wins Prestigious Book Prize

The University of Leicester's Dr Jonathan Taylor, an Associate Professor of Creative Writing, has been awarded the Arnold Bennett Book Prize for his collection of short stories, Scablands and Other Stories. Taylor's work, set in Leicestershire and his native Stoke-on-Trent, has resonated with readers and earned him a cheque for £500. The prize was presented to Dr Taylor by The Arnold Bennett Society on Arnold Bennett Day.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr Jonathan Taylor won the Arnold Bennett Book Prize for his collection of short stories, Scablands and Other Stories.
• Taylor's work is set in Leicestershire and his native Stoke-on-Trent, the birthplace of acclaimed British novelist Arnold Bennett.
• The prize attracted many entries, ranging from local authors to nationally-known writers, and is awarded for books published during 2023 or 2024.
• The Arnold Bennett Book Prize was established in 2017 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Arnold Bennett.
• Dr Taylor was touched by the fact that the event venue's postcode was almost the same as his childhood home.
• Jonathan Taylor cited Arnold Bennett as one of three or four writers who have been hugely significant to him, ever since reading his work at the age of 17.
• Dr Taylor received his prize from Morag Jones, chair of the book prize judging panel.

Statistics:

• The Arnold Bennett Book Prize is £500.
• The prize was established in 2017.
• The prize is awarded for books published during 2023 or 2024.
• Dr Taylor's work, Scablands and Other Stories, is a collection of short stories.
• Arnold Bennett was born 150 years ago.

Sources:

• The University of Leicester's news release
• The Arnold Bennett Book Prize