Lyndal Roper’s latest book, Summer of Fire and Blood: The German Peasants’ War, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Cundill History Prize, along with a prize of $75,000. This accolade, administered by McGill University in Montreal, recognizes exceptional history writing and is noted for having the largest monetary award for a non-fiction book in English.
Roper, who serves as the Regius Professor of History at the University of Oxford, provides an in-depth exploration of one of the largest popular uprisings prior to the French Revolution. Her work is distinguished by its focus on the voices of the peasants who participated in the turbulent events of 1524-1525, a period marked by rebellion against the ruling class. The narrative sheds light on the motivations behind this uprising, which was rooted in the radical ideals of the Protestant Reformation.
Recognizing Outstanding Historical Scholarship
The Cundill History Prize aims to celebrate outstanding contributions to historical writing. This year’s jury chair, Ada Ferrer, who is a professor of history at Princeton University, commended Roper’s work as “stunning and multifaceted.” Ferrer highlighted how the book intricately weaves together various aspects of history, including cultural, social, economic, and religious dimensions, creating a rich and engaging narrative that resonates with contemporary themes of justice and resistance.
Roper’s book was selected from a competitive shortlist, which included two other notable finalists: Marlene L. Daut for The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe and Sophia Rosenfeld for The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life. Each of these finalists will receive a commendation of $10,000.
A Deeper Understanding of Historical Movements
Through Summer of Fire and Blood, Roper brings attention to the often-overlooked narratives of the peasants’ struggles. She argues that this movement was not merely a chaotic uprising but rather an expression of early ideas around communal governance and a challenge to arbitrary authority. As modern societies continue to grapple with issues of power and representation, Roper’s insights provide valuable reflections on the historical roots of these ongoing conversations.
The recognition from the Cundill History Prize not only highlights Roper’s scholarship but also underscores the importance of historical narratives in understanding present-day social dynamics. With the award, Roper joins the ranks of previous winners who have made significant contributions to the field of history, solidifying her place as a leading voice in historical scholarship today.
