UWS academic honoured with award

Brett Bowden from the University of Western Sydney has been awarded the prestigious Nobert Elias Prize for his book The Empire of Civilization: the Evolution of an Imperial Idea.

Published by the University of Chicago Press, Associate Professor Bowden’s book examines the concept of civilization and the things that have been done in its name, from the Crusades of the eleventh century through to the global war on terror.

The jury consisted of three previous award winners, and in their report they described the book as “ambitious, well written and insightful.”

As part of his award for the best first book by an author in sociology (or in closely cognate areas) published in the years 2009-10, Associate Professor Bowden will receive a prize of 1,000 Euros and be presented with his award at a special ceremony in Europe. 

He says it’s very satisfying and a great honour to receive the award.

“I was very proud of the book when it was published and I'm still very proud of it today,” Associate Professor Bowden says.

“Considering Elias is best known for his groundbreaking book The Civilising Process, this award is a great compliment indeed.”

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9 March 2012