Every year, authors, publishers, and readers eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Eric Hoffer Book Award honorees. The wait is finally over, the results for the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award have officially been released, and The Book of Mary: A Commentary on the Protevangelium of James by Michael P. Closs PhD has been recognized as one of this year’s nominees.
The announcement of the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award honorees marks another significant milestone in the literary world, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of authors and publishers who embody the spirit of independent thought, creativity, and excellence in publishing. The prestigious award continues to honor the legacy of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by recognizing books of exceptional merit from small, academic, and independent presses, including self-published works.
The Eric Hoffer Award encompasses a wide range of honors, including the Grand Prize, category awards, and distinguished recognitions across numerous literary genres. In addition, special distinctions such as the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking books, the da Vinci Eye for superior book cover art, the First Horizon Award for debut authors, and the Medal Provocateur for experimental poetry continue to celebrate the diversity and innovation within the independent publishing community.
While the Grand Prize remains the pinnacle of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, earning a nomination itself is already a remarkable accomplishment. The award’s rigorous judging process ensures that only books demonstrating exceptional literary quality, originality, and artistic integrity receive recognition. According to the Eric Hoffer Award organization, fewer than 10% of nominees advance to become category finalists, making every nomination a meaningful acknowledgment of excellence.
For independent authors and publishers, this recognition provides increased visibility and credibility in an increasingly competitive literary marketplace. A nomination can also open opportunities for broader media exposure, speaking engagements, professional networking, and expanded readership.
This year, The Book of Mary: A Commentary on the Protevangelium of James by Michael P. Closs PhD joins the roster of distinguished nominees recognized by the Eric Hoffer Book Award. The nomination honors the book’s literary merit and contribution to independent publishing. Selected for its originality, scholarly depth, and thought-provoking perspective, the work reflects the spirit of the award by presenting compelling ideas that encourage intellectual reflection and meaningful discussion. Through its careful examination of the Protevangelium of James and its exploration of early Christian traditions surrounding Mary, the book demonstrates a commitment to historical inquiry, theological insight, and academic excellence, qualities long celebrated by the Eric Hoffer Award.
The book has also earned international recognition through major literary events and prestigious publishing platforms. The Book of Mary was featured in the February 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review magazine, further strengthening its visibility among readers, scholars, and literary critics. The title was also showcased during the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), one of the world’s largest and most influential publishing trade fairs, where it reached a broad international audience and highlighted its relevance in contemporary religious and historical scholarship.
In addition, it was displayed at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), widely regarded as the world’s largest publishing event. The fair brought together publishers, literary agents, authors, and media professionals from around the globe, providing the book with an expanded platform for cultural exchange and global literary engagement.
Michael P. Closs also participated in a successful book signing event during the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California in partnership with ARPress. The event allowed readers, literary enthusiasts, and festival attendees to personally connect with the author and gain deeper insight into the inspiration and scholarship behind his work. Considered one of the world’s most celebrated literary gatherings, LATFOB continues to serve as an important venue for authors to engage with diverse audiences and showcase meaningful literary contributions.
The US Review of Books also recommended The Book of Mary, praising the work for its depth and scholarly approach. The review states:
“This is a thorough, insightful, and diligent commentary on an ancient text that is not widely known yet forms the basis of the Gospel stories Christians are intimately familiar with. Closs gently encourages readers to think critically about the stories they may have taken for granted…”
The book takes a fresh and critical look at the Protevangelium of James, one of the earliest texts detailing the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Drawing from Syriac and Greek manuscripts, Closs meticulously analyzes how this ancient text influenced early Christian beliefs and shaped traditions surrounding Mary’s life, from her miraculous birth to her role in the story of Jesus. Beyond textual analysis, the work explores the broader historical and cultural context of early Christianity and Jewish tradition, offering readers a deeper understanding of the origins of Marian theology and Christian thought.
Michael P. Closs PhD is a retired professor from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and a Catholic deacon who has served in both Canada and Mexico. His extensive academic background and years of theological study inspired the creation of this remarkable work. Through his research, Closs sought to illuminate lesser-known aspects of biblical history and encourage readers to engage more deeply with the foundations of Christian tradition.
The author was also interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio, where he discussed the inspiration behind The Book of Mary and the importance of the Protevangelium of James in understanding the roots of Christian narratives and Marian devotion.
Judging for this year’s Eric Hoffer Book Award has officially concluded, and the complete list of honorees, finalists, and award distinctions is now available on the official Eric Hoffer Award website:
https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-winners.html#grand