National Book Award 1940: Complete list of winners

The National Book Award made its debut in 1940, arriving at a pivotal moment in American publishing history. This newly established literary prize immediately positioned itself as a significant honor, recognizing excellence across multiple categories and drawing attention to works that shaped cultural conversation during the turbulent 1940s. The inaugural National Book Awards ceremony marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious recognitions in American letters, a tradition that continues to influence which books reach wider audiences and secure lasting legacies.

The 1940 National Book Award winners reflected the era’s diverse intellectual currents. Perry Burgess’s Who Walk Alone won recognition in the nonfiction category, while the award also honored As I Remember Him: The Biography of R.S. in nonfiction, demonstrating the prize’s early commitment to celebrating both social commentary and biographical narrative. These selections revealed what the award’s founders valued: works that combined literary merit with relevance to contemporary American life and thought.

As the National Book Award established itself in that first year, it set a tone for decades of recognizing important voices and vital stories. The 1940 winners would prove to be the first of many celebrated authors and compelling narratives to receive this honor. Here’s a closer look at that inaugural year’s selections:

Nonfiction

• Who Walk Alone by Perry Burgess
• Winner by As I Remember Him: The Biography of R.S.