The Albert Spaulding Cook Prize in Comparative Literature is to be awarded annually to a graduate student in any department at Brown University for an unpublished article-length essay on a topic that falls under the rubric of comparative literature defined broadly, which is ready for submission to a scholarly journal.  The comparatist perspective may be exemplified through cultural/linguistic juxtapositions, methodological crossovers, and/or interdisciplinary issues among other approaches.

This prize is awarded in memory of Professor Albert Spaulding Cook, Ford Foundation Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature, Classics and English (1925-1998), whose rich and prolific record of scholarly and creative publications conferred on him a worldwide reputation for wide-ranging erudition and aesthetic acumen. As scholar, teacher, poet, and critic, his devotion to literary studies across national, cultural, and historical boundaries was virtually unparalleled. As a teacher, Professor Cook served as mentor to scores of graduate students throughout his career, both at Brown and at other institutions of higher learning, masterfully guiding and encouraging them. First and foremost, his advice to students in his seminars was to enter into the scholarly debate sooner rather than later, helping them revise their essays and suggesting journals that might be interested in their submissions. For Professor Cook, apprenticeship was best served by a strategy of doing rather than observing from the sidelines.  Hence, we dedicate this prize to Professor Cook, who labored long and lovingly in the training of future generations of scholars. 

Essays must be submitted electronically with appropriate notes and citations by April 15 to the Director of Graduate Studies. A faculty prize committee in the department will deliberate on the submissions and the prize will be awarded at Commencement. Please contact the Director of Graduate Studies with any questions.