The Literarian Award is presented to an individual for outstanding service to the American literary community, whose life and work exemplify the goals of the National Book Foundation to expand the audience for literature and to enhance the cultural value of literature in America.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

2005 Recipient
Lawrence Ferlinghetti The first recipient was poet and social activist Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 2005. The Award recognized Ferlinghetti's tireless work on behalf of poets and the entire literary community for over fifty years.

Read a transcript of Ferlinghetti's Acceptance Speech at the
2005 National Book Awards Ceremony.

Read a transcript of Jessica Hagedorn's presentation of the Award
to Ferlinghetti at the 2005 National Book Awards.

Press Release