Miles Franklin Literary Award
Celebrating the best in Australian literature
The Miles Franklin Literary Award, our first and most prestigious literary award, was established in 1954 with a bequest from the author Miles Franklin. She was concerned to see Australian literature flourish and knew first hand the struggles most authors have in Australia.
The Miles Franklin Literary Award celebrates Australian character and creativity and nurtures the continuing life of literature about Australia. It is awarded for the novel of the year which is of the highest literary merit and presents Australian life in any of its phases.
Since it was first awarded in 1957 to Patrick White for his novel Voss, the award has encouraged authors and delivered an immense contribution to the richness of Australian cultural life.
The Miles Franklin Literary Award 2008
On Thursday 17 April, the 2008 shortlist was announced. The five novels are:
| The Fern Tattoo | David Brooks | University of Queensland Press |
| The Time We Have Taken | Steven Carroll | Fourth Estate (HarperCollins Publishers) |
| Love Without Hope | Rodney Hall | Picador (Pan Macmillan Australia) |
| Sorry | Gail Jones | Vintage (Random House Australia) |
| Landscape of Farewell | Alex Miller | Allen & Unwin |
Find out more about the shortlist
The Longlist
On Thursday 13 March, the 2008 longlist was announced. To read about the longlist please enter here.
Important dates for this year’s Award are:
Shortlist tours 26 May to 30 May - view the touring program
Winner's announcement and event 19 June 2008
Winner's tours mid August 2008
The Judges
Judges for this year’s Award are Professor Robert Dixon, Morag Fraser AM, Ian Hicks, Lesley McKay and Regina Sutton, the State Librarian of New South Wales.
The Patron
This year we are delighted that the Nelson Meers Foundation continues as the Patron for this Award.
The Nelson Meers Foundation was founded by Nelson Meers, a former Lord Mayor of Sydney, in order to continue Mr Meers' background in civic service. The Foundation is committed to the principle that artistic and cultural endeavours are essential to both individual identity and an enlightened and democratic society. To view more information about this Foundation please visit http://www.nelsonmeersfoundation.org.au/.
The Regional Touring Program
Made possible through the financial support of Australian copyright management company, Copyright Agency Limited (CAL), the Miles Franklin Literary Award’s shortlisted authors and winners for 2007 through to 2009 will embark on a touring program covering all Australian states and territories over the next three years.
Details regarding the 2008 touring program will be available on this site late April.
Are you eligible?
The prize is awarded for the novel of the year which is of “the highest literary merit and which must present Australian life in any of its phases”.
Novels submitted must have been published in the year of entry of the Award.
The award’s value
The prize for the 2008 Miles Franklin Literary Award is up to $42,000.
How to apply
Applications for the 2008 Award are closed. The 2009 application forms are not yet available. However, interested parties may view the 2008 application form for terms and conditions by entering here.
Previous Winners
Previous winners of the Miles Franklin Literary Award include:
- 2007 Alexis Wright Carpentaria
- 2006 Roger McDonald The Ballad of Desmond Kale
- 2005 Andrew McGahan The White Earth
- 2004 Shirley Hazzard The Great Fire
- 2003 Alex Miller Journey to the Stone Country
- 2002 Tim Winton Dirt Music
- 2001 Frank Moorhouse Dark Palace
- 2000 Thea Astley Drylands
Kim Scott Benang - 1999 Murray Bail Eucalyptus
Further information
Trust is the trustee for the Miles Franklin Literary Award.
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For more information about the award, please contact Cauz Group Pty Limited, on (02) 9144 2415 or trustawards@cauzgroup.com.au Want to be updated on milestones for this award? Please send your email address with subject "Miles Franklin Literary Award" to: psalter@cauzgroup.com.au |
