Amitav Ghosh Shortlisted for Prestigious British Academy Book Prize

Renowned Indian author Amitav Ghosh has been shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2024 for his work 'Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories'. The prize is worth GBP 25,000 and highlights six books addressing urgent global issues. The winner will be announced on October 22.

Renowned Indian author Amitav Ghosh has made the shortlist for the prestigious British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding 2024, an internationally esteemed non-fiction prize worth GBP 25,000 now in its 12th year.

Ghosh's 'Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories' joins five other international titles in contention for the award, which is open to authors of any nationality, as long as their work is available in English.

Judges lauded the Kolkata-born, US-based author for his exceptional storytelling skills. In his book, Ghosh meticulously traces the economic and cultural ramifications of the global opium trade from the 18th century to today's opioid crisis and the Oxycontin scandal in the USA.

Other shortlisted authors include Ed Conway, Kate Kitagawa, and Timothy Revell. This year's shortlist covers diverse topics ranging from raw materials to the historical impact of mathematics.

Chair of Judges Professor Charles Tripp highlighted the breadth and quality of the shortlisted books, touching on critical global issues and acknowledging the dedication of the authors.

The winner will be announced in London on October 22, with each shortlisted writer receiving GBP 1,000. Last year's winner was Indian-origin author Nandini Das, whose work has inspired a digital exhibition by Kolkata-based artist Arko Datto.

(With inputs from agencies.)