The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) is a learned society founded in 1820 by King George IV to "reward literary merit and excite literary talent". A charity that represents the voice of literature in the UK, the RSL has about 800 Fellows, elected from among the best writers in any genre currently at work. Additionally, Honorary Fellows are chosen from those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of literature, including publishers, agents, librarians, booksellers or producers. The society is a cultural tenant at London's Somerset House. The RSL is an independent charity and relies on the support of its Members, Patrons, Fellows and friends to continue its work.
The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) was founded in 1820, with the patronage of George IV, to "reward literary merit and excite literary talent",[1] and its first president was Thomas Burgess, Bishop of St David's (who was later translated as Bishop of Salisbury). From the beginning of the 21st century, Presidents have served four year terms and the RSL has employed a professional director to oversee its membership and outreach programmes.[2] From 2018, the RSL's patron has been Queen Camilla, who took over in the role from Elizabeth II.[3][4]
Fellowship
Official seal
Fellows of the Royal Society of Literature: are elected annually and accorded the privilege of using the post-nominal letters FRSL. Traditionally around 14 new fellows per year were elected, with a total number of about 500 being maintained.[2] To be nominated for fellowship, a writer must have published two works of literary merit, and nominations must be seconded by an RSL fellow. All nominations are presented to members of the Council of the Royal Society of Literature, who vote biannually to elect new fellows. Newly elected fellows are introduced at the Society's annual general meeting and summer party. While the President reads a citation for each, they are invited to sign their names in the roll book which dates back to 1820, Additionally, Honorary Fellows are chosen from those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of literature, including publishers, agents, librarians, booksellers or producers, or who have rendered special service to the RSL.[5]
In 2018, the RSL launched the initiative "40 Under 40", which saw the election of 40 new fellows aged under 40.[11] In 2020, the RSL celebrated its 200th anniversary with the announcement of RSL 200, "a five-year festival launched with a series of major new initiatives and 60 new appointments championing the great diversity of writing and writers in the UK".[12][13] Initiatives included RSL Open (electing new Fellows from communities, backgrounds and experiences currently under-represented in UK literary culture),[14] and RSL International Writers (recognising the contribution of writers across the globe to literature in English).[13] RSL 200 resulted in more than 60 new fellows and honorary fellows being elected annually between 2021 and 2024.[6][15] There are now more than 800 FRSLs.[16]
From 2023, the RSL began to be criticized over the new diversity of fellowship[17] and for not taking a strong enough stance about the stabbing of Salman Rushdie and the cancellation of Kate Clanchy.[18] In February 2024, President Bernardine Evaristo defended the RSL in The Guardian over the changes to fellowship and issues of freedom of speech, and stated that the RSL "cannot take sides in writers' controversies and issues, but must remain impartial."[19][20] In reply, Rushdie commented on X: "Just wondering if the Royal Society of Literature is 'impartial' about attempted murder?"[21] Publication of the RSL's annual magazine was delayed in connection with an article mentioning Israel.[22][23] In February 2024 the RSL referred itself to the Charity Commission in response to what it described as a "sustained campaign of misinformation being made against it".[24][25]
In January 2025, Director Molly Rosenberg and Chair Daljit Nagra stepped down from their positions,[15][26] and, following an annual general meeting, it was announced that the RSL would be implementing a governance review under the new leadership of Ruth Scurr.[27]
Publications
The society publishes an annual magazine, the RSL Review, which includes features, interviews and essays.[28]
In 2000, the RSL published a volume that provides a description and history of the society, written by one of its fellows, Isabel Quigly.[2]
Membership
From 2012, the RSL established a membership programme offering a variety of events to members and the general public. Membership of the RSL is open to all.[29]
Outreach
In 2021, the RSL launched "Literature Matters: Reading Together", a project aiming to make recreational reading accessible to young people across the UK.[30]
Awards and prizes
Through its prize programmes, the RSL supports new and established contemporary writers.
The Encore Awards — £10,000 for best second novel of the year. The RSL took over the administration of this award in 2016.
The RSL Giles St Aubyn Awards for Non-Fiction – annual awards, currently one of £10,000 and one of £5,000 and one of £2,500, to authors engaged on their first commissioned works of non-fiction (replaced the Jerwood Award in 2017).
The RSL Ondaatje Prize – an annual award of £10,000 for a distinguished work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry, evoking the spirit of a place.
The Benson Medal – awarded to those who have done sustained and outstanding service to literature.
The RSL Literature Matters Awards for projects which connect with audiences or topics outside the usual reach of literature.[31]
Sky Arts RSL Writers Awards awarded to British writers of colour at the beginnings of their careers.[32]
Entente Littéraire Prize[33] for writing and translation from France and the UK. Two books, one English and one French, receive a prize of €8,000 shared between the author and the translator.
Companion of Literature – the highest honour that the society can bestow upon a writer; inaugurated in 1961, it is held by up to 12 writers at any one time.[34]
Council and presidents
The Council of the Royal Society of Literature is central to the election of new fellows, and directs the RSL's activities through its monthly meetings. Council members serve for a fixed term of four years, with new members being elected by Council when members retire.[35]
The * before the name denotes an Honorary Fellow. The list is online at the RSL website.[38][39]
RSL International Writers
The RSL International Writers programme is a new life-long honour and award recognizing the contribution of writers across the globe to literature in English, and the power of literature to transcend borders in bringing people together, the inaugural list of recipients being announced in 2021.[40]
↑ Marnham, Patrick (January–February 2025). ""How the Royal Society of Literature Lost the Plot"". www.prospectmagazine.co.uk. Retrieved 27 January 2025. the changed election procedures [and] the high-handed sacking of Maggie Fergusson
↑ M.C. (2 February 2024). "Cultured wars". The TLS. Retrieved 27 January 2025. a newish fellow wrote about visiting the Palestine Festival of Literature". The issue was "cancelled",
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