Lisa Alter with her award.
Lisa Alther received one of the 2019 Idries Shah Foundation Awards for Human Achievement.
Through a body of work shaped by an ancient tradition, Shah espoused a belief in being the best possible form of oneself. Many of the thousands of stories he published document the trials and tribulations of mankind on its journey – celebrating perseverance, ingenuity and original.
The ISF Awards for Human Achievement are presented annually to those who have championed the values so central to Shah’s life and work.
Taking the form of gilded ormolu medallions, the awards are crafted by Spink & Son, medalists to Queen Elizabeth II. They are presented each year to four outstanding women, four men, and to a foundation or charitable organization. In addition, a posthumous award is made.
The 2019 individual award winners are Dr. Jane Goodall (anthropologist and primatologist), Robyn Davidson (legendary explorer) Herta Müller (novelist and Nobel Laureate), Lisa Alther (best-selling novelist), Sir David Attenborough (renowned environmentalist and filmmaker), Chris Hadfield (astronaut & former Commander of the International Space Station), Dr. Desmond Morris (anthropologist and author) and Dr. James Lovelock (originator of The Gaia Hypothesis).
The Foundation Award was received by the International Crisis Group (a leading non-governmental organization) dedicated to conflict resolution. The Posthumous Award went to Jorge Luis Borges (Argentine author, poet and essayist).
READ ON: Lisa Alther talks about career.
