The result of the second annual Book Proposal Prize for a First Book on a Psychoanalytic Subject, sponsored by Division 39 (Psychoanalysis) of the American Psychological Association and the APA Press has just been announced. The published program for Division 39 at the 117th APA conference, now being held in Toronto, describes the award as follows:

The Book Proposal Prize is awarded annually to a Division 39 member who demonstrates exceptional promise in a first book proposal. The judges evaluate submissions on the basis of potential contribution to psychoanalysis and clarity of exposition. The winner receives a book contract with the American Psychological Association Press and a $1,000 cash prize awarded at the annual APA conference.

Due to difficulty selecting a winner a second book was also recommended for publication. The latter book is by Katherine Harper, a doctoral student of Ray Fancher’s in the History and Theory of Psychology program at York University. According to the report to the Division Board of the 2009 Division 39 and APA Press Book Proposal Prize Committee,

A close second, and an impressive piece of scholarly work, was Ms. Katherine Harper’s proposal updating Freud’s Project for a Scientific Psychology. Harper, who is still a Ph.D. candidate, receives our congratulations as well. We imagine she has a great career ahead of her—and have recommended her book proposal to APA Press for publication.

As indicated Harper’s book will comprise a historical and theoretical examination of Sigmund Freud’s 1895 Project for a Scientific Psychology. This work will undoubtedly be a welcome addition to the historical scholarship on Freud and his work.