Lyndal Roper, a professor at Oxford University, has been awarded the prestigious Cundill History Prize for her book titled “Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants” War.” The award ceremony took place in Montreal on Thursday evening, where Roper was honored for her insightful examination of the 16th-century uprising.
Roper”s book challenges the conventional understanding of the German Peasants” War, which erupted in 1524 and 1525. The Cundill jury commended her extensive research, highlighting how she presents the conflict from the viewpoint of the peasants themselves. The judges noted that the rebels articulated “early ideas of justice, communal decision-making, and resistance to arbitrary power,” countering the narrative that depicted them as mere disorganized radicals.
The Cundill History Prize, which celebrates exceptional non-fiction history writing in English, carries a cash award of USD 75,000. Roper”s achievement underscores her significant contribution to understanding this pivotal period in history.
Two other notable works were recognized as finalists for the award, each receiving USD 10,000. These included “The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe” by Marlene L. Daut and “The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life” by Sophia Rosenfeld.
The Cundill History Prize is administered by McGill University and aims to encourage rigorous historical scholarship that engages with the past and informs present-day discussions.
This report was initially published by The Canadian Press on October 30, 2025.
