Ottawa, February 9, 2009 – Canadians enjoy information that allows them to better understand their country and the world they live in. They also want to be informed so that they can make enlightened decisions in various areas of their lives and actively participate in society’s major debates. They want to understand the past and prepare for the future.
Through their work, the finalists and winner of the 8th Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction have made it possible for people in Canada and around the world to explore diverse themes and discover little-known universes. By being associated with this prestigious prize, these works will reach an even broader audience, and Canada’s publishing industry as a whole will benefit.
On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Government of Canada, I offer my sincere congratulations to Tim Cook, winner of the 2009 Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction for his book Shock Troops: Canadians Fighting the Great War, 1917–1918, Volume Two. I would also like to acknowledge the fine work of the two finalists, Elizabeth Abbott, for Sugar: A Bittersweet History, and Ana Silkjak, for Angel of Vengeance: The “Girl Assassin,” the Governor of St. Petersburg, and Russia’s Revolutionary World. Your thorough research and writing greatly honour the founder of this prize, Canadian Charles Taylor, and are a credit to this country’s literary community.
Congratulations!
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
