Macdonald wins 2026 Ernest Scott Prize for History
Garrison World: Redcoat Soldiers in New Zealand and across the British Empire (Charlotte Macdonald, Bridget Williams Books) has won the 2026 Ernest Scott Prize for History.
Awarded annually, the Ernest Scott Prize for History awards the winner “up to $15,000” and recognises original published research that contributes to the history of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand, or to the history of colonisation.
Judges Miranda Johnson and Christina Twomey said the singular achievement of Garrison World was “its reframing of the history of colonial Aotearoa New Zealand by focusing on historical actors hiding in plain sight: British redcoat soldiers and bluejacket sailors”.
“The book’s originality, apart from its sensitive rendering of a group more often maligned, erased or caricatured than understood, is to bring together the scholarship on soldiering and war, and histories of settlement, and in doing so, to transform them both. In Garrison World, the crucial role of imperial soldiers in both war and peace in establishing the ascendency of settler society and Pākehā civilian government comes alive in vivid prose, rich illustrations, through compelling characters and an unwavering account of what was at stake for Māori people.”
Macdonald thanked publisher Bridget Williams Books “for their care in creating the book and maintaining a vigorous program as an independent publisher”.
“At a time when History is, paradoxically, under siege in our knowledge institutions, yet ever more prominent in public life, the recognition that the Prize gives to historical work is especially welcome,” said Macdonald.
Garrison World was chosen as the winner from 56 publications. Also shortlisted for the award were The Origins of an Experimental Society: New Zealand 1769–1860 (Erik Olssen, Auckland University Press) and Clever Men: How Worlds Collided on the Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land of 1948 (Martin Thomas, Allen & Unwin).
Last year’s winner was Jane Carey for Taking to the Field: A History of Australian Women in Science (Monash University Publishing).
Category: Awards Local news
