| Launched in 2015, the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards (ESTWA) seek to celebrate the best travel writing, and travel writers, in the world. This year, the awards were celebrated online via video. |
| |
|
The Edward Stanford Award for Outstanding Contribution to Travel Writing went to Dervla Murphy
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Dervla Murphy’s first book, Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle, was published in 1965. Over 20 other titles have followed. Dervla has won worldwide praise for her writing and has been described as a ‘travel legend’ and ‘the first lady of Irish cycling’. Previous winners of this award are Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, Jan Morris, Colin Thubron and Paul Theroux. |
| |
| Vivien Godfrey, Chairman and Chief Executive of Stanfords said, “Ever since her first book was published in 1965, Dervla has been a constant bestseller at Stanfords. Through her writing, she continues to inspire readers of all ages to travel and remain open minded to experiences. She is considered a legend among the travel writing world and her knowledge and passion for learning about the world has had such a positive influence on the genre and we couldn’t be happier to present her with this much deserved accolade.” |
| |
| A handmade Lander & May globe was sent to Dervla ahead of the announcement at her home in Ireland. |
| |
| In her acceptance speech Dervla said, “I’m very very happy to be awarded this magnificent globe. I have the fondest memories of going to Stanfords at the very beginning of my travels beyond Europe when I needed all sorts of maps to get me from Istanbul to Delhi and then later even more complicated maps to walk through Baltistan and through Ethiopia and the Simiens. There were virtually no maps in those days of those areas except at Stanfords so it’s a very nice link to have this globe.” |
| |
| Michael Palin, Hilary Bradt, Colin Thubron, Lois Pryce, and people from Eland Publishing recorded messages congratulating her. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
The Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year, in association with the Authors’ Club was awarded to Taran Khan for her debut book
Shadow City
|
| |
|
|
| |
| The judging panel consisted of explorer Benedict Allen, authors Colin Thubron, Julia Wheeler, Nick Hunt, Monisha Rajesh, Lois Pryce, Lucy Popescu and Bee Rowlatt. |
| |
| Lucy Popescu, chair of the Authors’ Club, commented, “Taran transports us to Kabul. This is a profound, beautifully written meditation on an ever-changing city, scarred by war, its people ever hopeful of a better future. It moved me to tears.” |
| |
| Julia Wheeler, chair of the Stanford Dolman judges said, ’We enjoyed the weaving of Khan’s personal and family story with her observations and clear affection for the city. That Khan’s journeys were made over several years allows the myriad faces of Kabul to emerge and her interactions with individuals create meaningful and memorable pictures for the reader.’ |
| |
|
|
| |
|
‘Hope in Pink Meringue’ by Anita King received the Bradt Travel Guides New Travel Writer of the Year award. |
| |
|
|
| |
| In this winning short story a young girl dancing in the doorway of an ice cream parlour in Damascus sparks a personal memory. |
| |
| The judges described the piece as “a controlled competent piece of writing, all the more impressive considering the raw subject matter. Vivid descriptions and a solid structure make for a compelling, heart-breaking tale.” |
| |
| Head judge Hilary Bradt added: “This is a fantastic piece. It was so moving that I had difficulty rereading it for the judging because I cried so much I had to keep taking a break.” |
| |
| The four unpublished finalists will see their work included in Travel Write, a new anthology to be published by Bradt Guides later in the year. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Each winner was presented with a hand-made Lander & May globe featuring a design produced exclusively for the Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards. |
| |
| Watch the 2021 Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards |
| |
|
|
