Beth Lew‑Williams wins 2026 Cundill History Prize (US$75,000) — prize administered by McGill University
Beth Lew‑Williams (Princeton) won the Cundill History Prize (US$75,000) on Oct. 23, 2026 in Montreal. Two runners‑up received US$10,000 each; the prize is administered by McGill University and rewards history writing in English.
On October 23, 2026, Beth Lew‑Williams of Princeton was awarded the Cundill History Prize and its US$75,000 prize at a ceremony in Montreal for John Doe Chinaman: A Forgotten History of Chinese Life under American Racial Law. Jurors praised the book’s innovative use of court and immigration records to shed light on anti‑Chinese discrimination. Runners‑up Jonathan Cheng and Alexander Lee each received US$10,000. The Cundill Prize, administered by McGill University, recognizes outstanding history writing in English and underscores McGill’s role in promoting scholarly achievement.