Marlene L. Daut Wins 2026 James Tait Black Prize for Haitian History Work

The University of Edinburgh has officially awarded the 2026 James Tait Black Prize to Marlene L. Daut. She received this prestigious honor for her historical work titled The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe. The book, published by Knopf in 2025, provides a detailed look at the life of the Haitian leader. Daut serves as a Professor of French and of Black Studies, bringing extensive academic expertise to her writing. Her research offers readers a deep dive into the complex history of Haiti during a transformative era. The James Tait Black Prize is recognized as the longest-running literary award in the United Kingdom. It was first established in 1919 and continues to be a significant milestone for authors in the literary community. Scholars and students of literature at the University of Edinburgh are responsible for selecting the winners each year. This year, the selection process was particularly competitive, as Daut’s book was chosen from a pool of over 500 submissions. The award includes a prize of £10,000 for the recipient. This recognition highlights the importance of historical narratives in contemporary literature. By examining the rise and fall of Henry Christophe, Daut contributes to a broader understanding of global history. The announcement of the prize serves as a reminder of the enduring value of rigorous research and storytelling. Readers and scholars alike have noted the significance of this work in the field of Black Studies. The university continues to uphold the tradition of celebrating excellence in writing through this annual honor.