Esteemed Historian and Essayist Karl Schlögel Awarded Prestigious German Book Trade Peace Prize
The German Book Trade Association announced today that historian and essayist Karl Schlögel will receive the German Book Trade Peace Prize for 2025. The award, a significant recognition within the German literary and intellectual landscape, carries a prize of €25,000.
The selection committee lauded Schlögel’s unique ability to combine observation, empathy and understanding in his writing. They highlighted his role as a scholar and keen observer, charting the complexities of Central and Eastern Europe, even prior to the fall of the Iron Curtain. His work has introduced cities like Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv and Kharkiv to a wider audience, while also portraying St. Petersburg and Moscow as integral European metropolises.
The committee specifically referenced Schlögel’s critical analysis of the Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea by Russia. They acknowledged his commitment to addressing gaps in German perceptions and his early warnings regarding the expansionist policies of Vladimir Putin and the increasingly authoritarian and nationalistic nature of his government.
The award ceremony will take place on October 19, 2025, at the Paulskirche in Frankfurt. The German Book Trade Peace Prize has been awarded annually since 1950, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to peace and understanding.