ISLAM ISSA’S ‘ALEXANDRIA: THE CITY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD’ wins 2024 Runciman Award
As the summer days grow longer and the nights warmer, there is no greater solace than what can be found within the pages of a good book. But amid the relentless whirlwind of literary recommendations flitting about from Tiktok, friends, and elsewhere, how does one settle on a single book to enrich their Greek summers? The best course of action is to seek the wisdom of expert judges. For nearly 40 years, the Runciman Award has acted as this arbiter, carefully choosing the best book published each year in English, specifically pertaining to Greece and its marvels. From archaeology and history to contemporary fiction and travel writing, candidate books cover the most coveted topics for a Greek summer read.
This year, the Anglo-Hellenic League has awarded Egyptian-British author Islam Issa as the winner of the Runciman Award 2024 for his soul-stirring book, Alexandria: The City That Changed The World. The book covers the historical city in all of its dimensions—its myths, wars, alliances, downfalls, and legendary epochs.
The award ceremony, held on June 17 at King’s College London, was a grand affair with HRH Prince Michael of Kent in attendance. A plethora of eminent scholars sang praise for Issa’s work. John Kittmer, Chair of the Anglo-Hellenic League, commended Issa’s portrayal of Alexandria’s dense history, calling it a “magnificent achievement.” Renowned Classicist Judith Mossman, chair of judges, praised Issa’s book, calling it a “joyous read, teeming with life and fascinating detail.”
Though Alexandria is an Egyptian city, Issa’s book tenderly expatiates the history of the region’s Hellenistic roots, tracing its mythical origins and pivotal role in the intellectual exchange of the ancient world. Issa tells a spellbinding narrative that lucidly explores the connection between Alexandria’s history and its rich Greek heritage.
Few authors capture in their words the genuine love and appreciation they have for their subject matter, but Issa does so with remarkable clarity and depth. The city shines to life under the Issa’s pen, vividly evoking its prime.
Beaming with pride, Issa described the award as a huge honour, sharing how writing the book was a journey of self-discovery. “It’s amazing to see how the story of Alexandria resonates with so many,” he said.
Whether you’re relaxing on Greek shores or exploring ancient ruins, delving into Issa’s book on Alexandria promises a most enriching summer read.
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