The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : A Lifetime of Achievement in Fiction

"The Library of Congress holds a unique place in America—and for me personally—as a collector and preserver of our nation’s great intellectual and creative heritage," Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Herman Wouk has said.

Exterior view. Falling Books, by Frank Eliscu, a four-story relief in bornze over the main entrance. Library of Congress James Madison Building, Washington, D.C. 2007

Wouk’s novels are known for their richly detailed stories and historical accuracy, the result of extensive research, much of it at the Library of Congress. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to American letters and his dedication to what he calls "the enduring power of the novel," Wouk is the recipient of the first Library of Congress Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Writing of Fiction.

"Herman Wouk’s work epitomizes the historical novel and its ability to transcend its time and place to achieve universality in character and themes," Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said. "Herman is a longtime supporter of the Library who has honored us with his presence on many occasions, and he was among the first group of recipients, during our bicentennial in 2000, of our Living Legend Award."

Wouk has published 12 widely acclaimed novels as well as plays and nonfiction. Many do not know that he also wrote comedy, early in his career, for Fred Allen’s radio show, from 1936 to 1941. Little, Brown is Wouk’s publisher.

Wouk is donating his literary diaries, remaining manuscripts and correspondence to the Library, where they will be made available in the Manuscript Division Reading Room, after processing. The Library already holds the manuscripts of five Wouk novels, including "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance."

The new Library of Congress Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Writing of Fiction joins other Library awards that recognize lifetime achievement. The John W. Kluge Prize in Human Sciences rewards lifetime achievement in the study of humanity with focus on disciplines such as history, philosophy, politics, anthropology, sociology, religion, criticism in the arts and humanities, and linguistics. The Gershwin Prize for Popular Song celebrates the work of an artist whose career reflects lifetime achievement in promoting song as a vehicle of musical expression and cultural understanding.

In 2004, Wouk gave a lecture at the Library, where he discussed his career and new (at the time) novel, “A Hole in Texas.”

A. Herman Wouk. 2000. Larica Perry. Not available for reproduction.

B. Exterior view. Falling Books, by Frank Eliscu, a four-story relief in bornze over the main entrance. Library of Congress James Madison Building, Washington, D.C. 2007. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Information: Reproduction No.: LC-DIG-highsm-03177 (original digital file); Call No.: LOT 13908 [item] (ONLINE) [P&P]