Francis Parkman Prize

The Francis Parkman Prize, named after Francis Parkman, is awarded by the Society of American Historians for the best book in American history each year.

Its purpose is to promote literary distinction in historical writing.

The Parkman Prize is offered annually to a non-fiction book, including biography, that is distinguished by its literary merit and makes an important contribution to the history of what is now the United States.

Textbooks, edited collections, bibliographies, reference works, and juvenile books are ineligible.

The Francis Parkman Prize for Special Achievement is periodically awarded for scholarly and professional distinction.