John H. Elliott Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences 1996

The members of the Jury for the 1996 Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences, Mr. Gonzalo Anes y Álvarez de Castrillón, Mr. Jaime García Añoveros, Mr. Manuel Jesús González, Ms. María del Carmen Iglesias, Mr. Víctor Mendoza Oliván, Mr. Aurelio Menéndez Menéndez, Mr. Manuel Menéndez Menéndez, Ms. Victoria Rodríguez Escudero, Mr. Pedro Schwartz Girón, Mr. Gabriel Tortella Casares, Mr. Juan Urrutia Elejalde, gathered in Oviedo under the presidency of Mr. Manuel Fraga Iribarne and with Mr. José López-Muñiz y González- Madroño acting as secretary, have agreed by majority to grant the 1996 Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences to Sir John Elliott.

A master Hispanist, recognised internationally for his research into the history of Spain, which he has successfully fitted into the European and American framework. He has contributed to the knowledge of Spanish History abroad, shattering clichés and stereotypes of decisive aspects of Spain´s past. Outstanding among his works are his great book on 17th century Catalonia, his careful studies into Imperial Spain and the very well-known biography of the Count-duke of Olivares, wherein he has become known for the equanimity of his approaches, for his meticulousness in the consultation of sources and for his clarity in the explanation of results.

Oviedo, 16th May 1996