We’re pleased to announce that celebrated nature writer Jules Pretty has received the East Anglian Book of the Year Award for The East Country: Almanac Tales of Valley and Shore.

A mix of memoir, natural history, cultural critique and spiritual reflection, this work of creative non-fiction follows the seasons through 74 tales set in a variety of landscapes, from valley to salty shore. Jules received £1,000, generously supported by the PACCAR Foundation.

Peggy Hughes, one of the judges and Programme Director at the National Centre for Writing, described the book as ‘meditative, poetic and spare, a compelling praise song for the natural world and a call to us to hold it dear. We were absorbed by it.’

The winners of the individual categories are as follows:

History & Tradition

This Hollow Land: Aspects of Norfolk Folklore by Peter Tolhurst (Black Dog Books)

Biography & Memoir

The Lady Lord Mayors of Norwich 1923 – 2017 by Phyllida Scrivens (Pen & Sword)

The Mal Peet Children’s Award

Kick by Mitch Johnson (Usborne)

General Non-Fiction

**Winner of the East Anglian Book of the Year Award**

The East Country: Almanac Tales of Valley and Shore by Jules Pretty (Comstock)

Poetry

Gall by Matt Howard (Rialto)

Fiction

Devoured by Anna Mackmin (Propolis)

**Winner of the ‘Book by the Cover’ Award**

The Exceptional Contribution Award 2018 was presented to Marilyn Brocklehurst, founder of the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre based in Alby, Norfolk. Marilyn created the centre over 30 years ago. After a career working in Library Services, Marilyn had a dream to set up the ‘ideal bookshop for children.’ With over 50,000 books, and comfortable areas for reading, the centre welcomes hundreds of visitors each year from all over the country. The judging panel said the reward recognised Marilyn’s ‘unstinting passion and energy and her lifetime dedication to children’s literature in East Anglia.’

The ‘Book by the Cover’ Award, sponsored by East Anglian Writers for the best-designed cover of the shortlisted titles, went to Niki Medlik for Devoured.

The winners of the coveted East Anglian Book Awards 2018 were revealed on Friday 23 November at a literary lunch and celebration of regional writing and publishing held at Norwich City Football Club.

The ceremony also featured speeches from special guests Simon Scarrow, Carl Gorham and Rebecca Stott, winner of the 2017 Costa Biography Award

The East Anglian Book Awards are organised by the Eastern Daily Press, Jarrold and the National Centre for Writing, with support from UEA’s Faculty of Arts & Humanities.

Since the East Anglian Book Awards began in 2008 they have showcased the work of well over 100 authors, 175 titles, and more than 80 publishers.