Lyndal Roper Awarded Cundill Prize for Insightful History Book

Lyndal Roper, a distinguished professor from the University of Oxford, has been awarded this year’s Cundill History Prize for her groundbreaking work, Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants’ War. This book offers a fresh perspective on the significant yet often misunderstood 16th-century uprising in Germany, which took place between 1524 and 1525.

The award, which includes a prize of US$75,000, was presented during a gala dinner in Montreal on October 30, 2025. Roper’s research challenges the long-held narrative that depicts the rebels as mere disorganized radicals. Instead, she portrays them as advocates for justice and communal decision-making, reflecting their resistance against arbitrary authority.

Recognition for Innovative Scholarship

The jury of the Cundill History Prize commended Roper’s extensive research and her ability to tell the story of the German Peasants’ War through the eyes of the peasants themselves. The judges noted that her work reveals the rebels’ aspirations for justice and organized resistance, which starkly contrasts with the dismissive views held by the victors of the conflict.

In addition to Roper, the prize also recognized two runners-up, each receiving US$10,000. The first runner-up is Marlene L. Daut for her book The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe. The second runner-up is Sophia Rosenfeld for her work, The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life.

A Legacy of Historical Excellence

The Cundill History Prize, administered by McGill University, is renowned for celebrating exceptional non-fiction writing in English that contributes to the understanding of history. Roper’s recognition underscores the importance of revisiting historical narratives to reveal the complexities and motivations of those often overlooked.

As Roper continues to contribute to the field of history, her latest award serves as a reminder of the power of scholarly research to reshape our understanding of the past. This year’s recognition is not just an accolade but also an invitation for readers to explore the often-unheard voices from history.