In honour of their founder, the late Professor Peter Isaac, Print Networks announces the foundation of a biennial essay prize for the best essay in the field of the History of the Book Trade in the Anglophone world.

The Rules

1. The essay can be on any aspect of the History of the Book Trade in the Anglophone world during the manuscript or print eras. Papers drawing on research in primary sources and critical, methodological or theoretical essays are welcome.
2. Any student registered for a postgraduate degree (master’s or doctoral) is eligible to enter the competition. Early career scholars within three years of completion of their PhD are also eligible, as
   are independent scholars without a formal affiliation.
3. The text of the essay (exclusive of references and bibliography) must be between 6000 and 8000 words. The essay must be submitted in English.
4. The essay must not have been published elsewhere.
5. An electronic copy of the essay (in Word format) must be submitted as an email attachment to Dr Catherine Armstrong convenor of Print Networks by 30 March 2013. C.M.Armstrong@mmu.ac.uk

The Decision

1. The essays submitted will be assessed by at least three members of the ‘Print Networks’ committee (all of whom are active researchers in the field).
2. Submissions will be judged in terms of their originality, depth, scope and rigour and the extent to which they make a new contribution to historical understanding, as well as qualities of style and presentation.
3. The Print Networks committee reserves the right not to award a prize in any particular year.
4. The prize will be announced in early July via email, on the Print Networks website and will be awarded publically at the Print Networks conference.
5. The prize will be £150 plus free entry (including food, drink and overnight accommodation) to the annual conference in Chichester from 23-25th July 2013.