The Mason Prize

The Mason Prize was established by the board of directors of Fall for the Book to recognize authors who have made extraordinary contributions to bringing literature to a wide reading public.

The prize is named for George Mason, one of the founding fathers of the U.S., from whom the university also takes its name. The author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, Mason is known as the "Father of the Bill of Rights" and served as an early proponent of freedom of speech. The Mason Prize serves as a reminder of Mason’s ideals and efforts and celebrates the freedom of speech he helped secure.

The prize is presented after a reading by the recipient as a highlight of the annual Fall for the Book Festival. The recipient receives a monetary award as well as the Mason Prize plaque.

The inaugural Mason prize-winner was Dave Eggers in 2006. This year’s recipient will be Jonathan Lethem, one of America’s most highly lauded young novelists.