Konstantin Richter wins 2026 German Nonfiction Prize (faz.net)

• Konstantin Richter wins 2026 German Nonfiction Prize
• The book examines the network of German industrial elites from the 19th century to the 1990s
• Commentary criticizes the prize's narrow focus on political debate books

"Journalist and author Konstantin Richter received the 2026 German Nonfiction Prize (Deutscher Sachbuchpreis) for his book "Dreihundert Männer. Aufstieg und Fall der Deutschland AG" at a ceremony in Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie on June 8, 2026. The book analyzes the network of bankers, industrialists, and lobbyists behind major German firms like Krupp, Siemens, and Daimler, spanning from the Industrial Revolution to the 1990s. The prize is endowed with €42,500; the winner receives €25,000, while seven nominees each get €2,500. A commentary criticizes the prize for favoring political debate books over philosophy or cultural theory, arguing for a broader thematic scope."