Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction - "Books of Inspiration"

It was a magical evening for Peterborough author Charles Foran, who received the inaugural Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize on October 25, 2011 from the Honourable Hilary M. Weston, in front of a star studded literary audience at Koerner Hall located in the Telus Centre for Performance and Learning in Toronto. The event was hosted by Albert Schultz, the founding artistic director of Soulpepper Theatre Company, and included a special performance by the musician Michael Kaeshammer. Now Canada's richest prize for non-fiction, the author received the $60,000 and the newly created

crystal award by Mark Raynes Roberts entitled "Books of Inspiration". The design captures the journey of the writer’s quest for knowledge, aspiration for truth and its resultant success. The sculpture combines three crystal books, two lying flat on a slight angle, creating the steps of truth and knowledge with the third book standing representing the success from endeavour.

"This beautiful new award reflects the lot of the author - theirs is a journey requiring much reflection and going back before moving forward. The simplicity of this new award design is testament to the thought and hard work that goes into the work of all artists" commented Mrs. Weston.

Mordecai: The Life and Times, was described by the judges as "an epic work of scholarship and energy, capturing the wit and sincerity of Canada's most famous literary contrarian." The biography was also an "authentic portrait" of Richler, according to the jury composed of writers Brian Brett, Devyani Saltzman and Russell Wangersky.

"I am honoured to have this unique opportunity to recognize writers whose work I deeply admire for its quality, range, and eloquence," said Mrs. Weston. "Our nonfiction writers are held in great esteem around the world, and through this prize we are committed to further enhancing their status and their well-deserved reputation."

Charles Foran is the author of 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction, and his biography on Richler has also been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award for English language non-fiction, with the winner being announced Nov. 15 and Gov. Gen. David Johnston will present the awards Nov. 24 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

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