The “Complete Works of Military Writers” has been awarded the A Prize in the Literature category at this year’s National Book Award.
This award is part of a total of 59 award categories given to 58 works by the judging council, which included three A Prizes, 10 B Prizes, 21 C Prizes, and 21 encouragement awards, along with four popular reader choice awards.
Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education, speaks at the award ceremony. Photo: Nguyen Minh
The awards ceremony for the 7th National Book Award 2024 took place last week at the Hanoi Opera House.
The National Book Award recognizes books that demonstrate exceptional content, intellectual value, and aesthetics, aiming to honor authors, translators, and publishers while promoting valuable works to a broader audience.
The “Complete Works of Military Writers,” published by the Military Literature Magazine, consists of five volumes and nearly 5,000 printed pages, compiling works from 366 notable writers, poets, critics, and translators from the ranks of military authors across generations. This collection has been honored with the highest award in the Literature category.
The anthology serves as a significant literary tribute, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army. It also pays homage to generations of military writers who have dedicated their talents to literature focused on the armed forces and revolutionary wars. It is described as a literary parade showcasing the pride of the army and the nation in their efforts to build and protect the homeland.
Colonel and writer Nguyen Binh Phuong, Editor-in-Chief of the Military Literature Magazine, receives the A Prize awarded for the book series. Photo: Nguyen Minh
Colonel and writer Nguyen Binh Phuong, Editor-in-Chief of the Military Literature Magazine, stated that the anthology captures the essence of Vietnamese literature on revolutionary wars. He noted that generations of soldier-writers have creatively highlighted the noble spirit of sacrifice for national independence and territorial integrity.
Speaking at the event, Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education, emphasized the importance of reading and provided insights on this year's awards, noting the significant participation from publishers nationwide.
He said: “This year’s awards attracted numerous publishers and highlighted outstanding publications that are meticulously crafted and highly valued across various fields. Many awarded books have become phenomena in the publishing world, drawing interest and affection from readers, especially the youth.”
Nghia expressed hope for the publishing industry’s role in national development, stating, “We can only confidently step into a new era—an era of Vietnam's resurgence—with a rich and solid foundation of knowledge, driven by the intellect and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The publishing sector must play a significant role in fostering a strong sense of patriotism, self-reliance, and national pride, contributing to the country’s prosperous development.”
The National Book Award 2024 saw participation from 51 out of 57 publishers, with 372 titles and book series submitted, reflecting a 25% increase in submissions and a 20% rise in participating entities compared to last year. This demonstrates the growing interest in the industry's most prestigious award.
DO HUONG
VNQD