The Vergilian Society is pleased to announce the establishment of the Alexander G. McKay Prize for the best book in Vergilian studies. The prize, which is accompanied by a cash award of $500 or a life membership in the Vergilian Society (valued at $750), will be awarded every other year to the book that, in the opinion of the prize evaluation committee, makes the greatest contribution toward our understanding and appreciation of Vergil or topics related to Vergil. Works of literary criticism, biography, bibliography, textual criticism, reference, history, archaeology, and the classical tradition are all eligible, provided that Vergilian studies represent a significant portion of the discussion. The first competition will cover books published during the years 2005 through 2007. The winner, who will be selected by two members of the prize evaluation committee appointed by the President in consultation with the executive committee, will be announced at the Vergilian Society session at the annual meeting of the American Philological Association in January, 2009 and every two years thereafter. The authors of books being considered for the McKay Prize must be members of the Vergilian Society at the time their books are submitted.

A copy of each book to be considered must be sent to both members of the prize evaluation committee by April 15, 2008. The two members for this cycle are:

Richard Thomas (chair)
Department of the Classics
204 Boylston Hall
Harvard University
Cambridge, Mass. 02138

Sarah Spence
Department of Classics
Park Hall
University of Georgia
Athens, Ga. 30602

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