Indian-origin Sunil Amrith wins British Academy Book Prize

Indian-origin historian Sunil Amrith was named the 13th winner of the British Academy Book Prize for his book ‘The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 years’.

According to the prize website, Amrith is the Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History and professor in the School of the Environment at Yale University.

“He grew up in Singapore, studied at Cambridge, and lives in Connecticut,” states the website.

The other shortlisted entries were, 

‘Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance’ by Bronwen Everill

‘The Baton and The Cross: Russia's Church from Pagans to Putin’ by Lucy Ash

‘The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World’ by William Dalrymple

‘Sick of It: The Global Fight for Women’s Health’ by Sophie Harman

‘Sound Tracks: A Musical Detective Story’ by Graeme Lawson

The chair of the judges, Professor Rebecca Earle, said that the book is “a magisterial account of the interconnections between human history and environmental transformation”.

The book, as per the website, highlights how “environmental damage has often driven human migration and how the global pursuit of profit, powered by new technologies and energy sources, has touched every corner of the planet. By weaving together stories of conflict, exploitation, and resilience, Sunil presents a history that raises urgent questions about humanity’s future and its relationship with the Earth”.