Civil War and Reconstruction Book Award

The deadline has passed. Information on the 2024 award will be available summer 2023.

DEADLINE: SUBMISSIONS MUST BE POSTMARKED BY OCTOBER 1, 2022
Please send as soon as possible to allow for any mail delays that might occur.

The Civil War and Reconstruction Book Award is given annually by the Organization of American Historians to the author of the most original book on the coming of the Civil War, the Civil War years, or the Era of Reconstruction.

Each entry must be published during the period January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.

The award will be presented at the 2023 OAH Conference on American History in Los Angeles, CA, March 30–April 2.

Submission Procedures

One copy of each entry, clearly labeled “2023 Civil War and Reconstruction Book Award Entry,” must be mailed directly to the committee members listed below. Each committee member must receive all submissions postmarked by October 1, 2022.

Bound page proofs may be used for books to be published after October 1, 2022 and before January 1, 2023. If a bound page proof is submitted, a bound copy of the book must be sent to each committee member postmarked no later than January 7, 2023. (Please see “Submission Policy” at right.)

If a book carries a copyright date that is different from the publication date, but the actual publication date falls during the correct timeframe making it eligible, please include a letter of explanation from the publisher with each copy of the book sent to the committee members.

The final decision will be made by the Civil War and Reconstruction Book Award Committee by February 2023. The winner will be provided with details regarding the OAH Conference on American History and awards presentation. By applying for this award, you are agreeing to OAH’s use of your data however it is needed in the normal course of business if selected as winner or honorable mention. Read our privacy policy here.