Francesca Wade’s much-anticipated biography, *Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife*, has been awarded the 2026 Plutarch Award for Best Biography, highlighting her engaging exploration of the life and legacy of the notable 20th-century figure, Gertrude Stein. The announcement was made on May 29 by the Biographers International Organization (BIO), which emphasised the work as a significant contribution to contemporary literary study.
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Stein, renowned for her impactful works such as *Three Lives* and *The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas*, is often described as a complex and controversial figure in literary history. Wade’s biography not only chronicles Stein’s literary achievements but also delves into the influences that shaped her life, thereby enriching our understanding of her enduring legacy.
The award committee commended Wade for offering “urgent and exciting new insights into life-writing and how we read and interpret another’s life.” This perspective aims to redefine the way biographies are constructed and received, an ambition underpinned by Wade’s analytical approach.
In their statement, the committee highlighted Wade’s ability to weave the narratives of key individuals intertwined with Stein’s life. They pointed out figures such as Stein’s long-term partner, Alice B. Toklas, alongside noted scholars like Leon Katz and Janet Malcolm, who have contributed to the public’s understanding of Stein’s influence and complexities. Notably, the inclusion of Wade herself as part of this genealogy of interpretation demonstrates a unique method of engaging with biography.
Wade, an accomplished journalist based in England, has previously published *Square Haunting: Five Writers in London Between the Wars*, further establishing her reputation as a prominent literary biographer. Her work is also featured in distinguished publications like *The Paris Review*, *The New York Review of Books*, and *Granta*, where she examines various facets of literary history and the lives behind notable works.
The Plutarch Award, known for recognising exceptional biographies published in the previous calendar year, includes a monetary honourarium of $3,000 for its recipient. The process involves a thorough evaluation by a committee of experienced biographers, underscoring the award’s commitment to high-quality literary scholarship.
This year, Wade’s biography triumphed over other notable contenders such as *James Baldwin: A Love Story* by Nicholas Boggs, *The Second Emancipation: Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, and Global Blackness at High Tide* by Howard W. French, *Wakara’s America: The Life and Legacy of a Native Founder of the American West* by Max Perry Mueller, and *The Invention of Charlotte Brontë: A New Life* by Graham Watson. These finalists reflected a vibrant array of subjects, further demonstrating the flourishing state of contemporary biography.
Steve Paul, president of BIO, remarked on the impressive range of the nominees, stating, “the enormous range and vibrancy of the Plutarch finalists is indicative of what seems like a surprising energy in our world of biography.” The selection of Wade’s book as the winner was met with enthusiasm, as it signals a fresh and invigorating approach to biographical literature.
*Gertrude Stein: An Afterlife* not only enriches the existing discourse around Stein but also invites readers to reconsider the narratives that shape public perception of historical figures. As the literary community continues to evolve, Wade’s work offers a significant contribution to understanding how individual lives can be interpreted in multifaceted ways.
Overall, the recognition of this biography at the Plutarch Awards highlights both the importance of Stein’s work in literary history and the innovative approaches contemporary biographers are taking to explore their subjects. As readers engage with these narratives, they are encouraged to reflect deeply on how biographies shape the legacy of iconic figures like Gertrude Stein, making Wade’s accomplishment even more significant in the realm of literary scholarship.