Richard Ford 2016 Princess of Asturias Award for Literature

Statement by Richard Ford, on being bestowed with the 2016 Princess of Asturias Award for Literature

“Needless to say I'm immensely grateful and honored to win the Princess of Asturias Award and not a little surprised. To have readers in Spain has always been a great and generous gift to me, a gift which has come through the loyalty and persistence of my long-time publisher, Anagrama, with whom I share this happy day. Writers write books for readers, and so when one of us is recognized, it's a good day for all writing and all readers. I thank you.”

Richard Ford
New Orleans, 15th June 2016

Statement by John Banville, 2014 Prince of Asturias Award for Literature, who jointly put forward this candidature along with Antonio Muñoz Molina and Sigrid Rausing.

“I'm very gratified indeed to hear this news. He is a wonderful writer, and richly deserves this great prize.”

John Banville
Dublin, 15th June 2016