Inaugural award for American journalism and literature
The Pulitzer Prizes were first presented on June 4, 1917. The prizes were given for American journalism and literary works published in 1916. Awards were made in four categories; no winner was chosen in five other categories that had been specified in Joseph Pulitzer's bequest. The winners were selected by the Trustees of Columbia University, on advice from juries of appointed experts.
Journalism awards.
A prize of $1,000 was awarded for reporting, and $500 for editorial writing. Because of an insufficient number of candidates, prizes were not issued in the three other journalism categories (public service, newspaper history, and most suggestive paper on development of the Columbia School of Journalism).
Letters awards.
A prize of $2,000 was awarded for the best book on American history, and $1,000 for the best American biography. Prizes for the best novel and best drama were not awarded, as the jurors did not find a deserving winner.
References.
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