“The Fire Is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate over Race in America,” the latest book by Linfield political science professor Nick Buccola, won Literary Arts’ Frances Fuller Victor Award for General Nonfiction on May 2.
Buccola’s book dives into the 1965 debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr., a key historical event during which these two prominent figures focused on understanding race and American power. The book has also garnered national attention with recognition on prominent book lists, such as a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice.
Joe Wilkins, professor of English and environmental studies, was also nominated for the 2021 Awards. His newest publication, “Thieve,” was a finalist for the Stafford/Hall Award for Poetry. Both Buccola and Wilkins were finalists in previous years, with Wilkins earning the top honor for “When We Were Birds” in 2017.