First launched in 2018, the National Book Awards were originated from the Vietnam Book Awards, which have been held annually since 2004. It has established as a prestigious event in the publishing industry, honouring books with outstanding values in politics, ideology and knowledge.
It also provides an opportunity for publishers to review their achievements over the year while acknowledging the contributions of authors, translators, scientists, publishing houses, printing houses and distributors across the country.
This year’s National Book Awards attracted a larger number of entries than the previous years, as it drew the participation of 47 publishing houses nationwide with 365 book titles.
According to Hoang Phong Ha, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Publishing Association and head of this year’s jury, five sub-committees were established to evaluate entries, gathering more than 70 leading scientists and experts in books on politics and economics, natural science and technology, social sciences and humanities, culture, literature and arts, and children’s books.
The 25 winning books and book collections of the 2021 Awards were highly appreciated for its elaborate scientific findings and with high social and practical value, significantly contributing to fostering reading culture while encouraging the development of publishing houses.
Director of the Authority of Publication, Printing and Distribution, Nguyen Nguyen revealed that this year’s Awards witnessed the increase in the number of entries within the children’s book category.
Many of the winning books throughout the categories were penned by Vietnamese authors. He noted with pleasure that some of them have not only been published in Vietnam but also copyrighted for translation and release by many foreign publishers.
The awards’ organisers have developed plans to spread the value of the winning books, so that they may reach more readers.
Accordingly, activities will be held to popularise the winning books on mass media and introduce the winning authors. Book exhibitions will also be organised to display the winners of the four editions of the National Book Awards.
In addition, the organising board has also coordinated with libraries to help members get access to the winning books.