Ten months ago, we proudly launched The North Caucasian Kingdom of Alania, 850–1240, John Latham-Sprinkle’s groundbreaking study of a little-known medieval kingdom. 📖 Today, we are delighted to celebrate another remarkable achievement: John has been awarded the Royal Historical Society First Book Prize 2026 for this outstanding work!
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious distinctions for early-career historians, the prize recognises original, intellectually ambitious and methodologically innovative first monographs. As Dr Helen Paul, Chair of the RHS First Book Prize Panel 2026, noted:
"John Latham-Sprinkle’s masterly study of the Kingdom of Alania showcases how historical analysis can be brought to bear even when source material is largely absent or fragmentary. (...) John Latham-Sprinkle adeptly shows how that state was formed and brings the existing Russian historiography to a wider audience. The author not only tackles a difficult and under-researched topic but also discusses how histories can and should be written.”
Congratulations, John, on this well-deserved recognition!