The National Book Critics Circle is a society of literary critics and authors from throughout the country. They present awards every year in the literary fields of fiction, nonfiction, biography, criticism and poetry.
"The National Book Critics Circle announced the finalists for its prizes several weeks ago, so I knew I was in the running," Taubman explained. "But I didn't know I'd won until I won."
For Taubman, winning the award was inspirational, but he said he is not yet ready to begin another large project. "Getting the award certainly encourages me to think of undertaking an ambitious future project, but for the time being, I'm recovering from all the effort that went into completing this one," said Taubman.
For Taubman, writing the book was a 20-year labor of love. Initially, the book was supposed to be about Khrushchev's foreign policy. Taubman decided, however, that that he was more interested in Khrushchev's character than his foreign policy, and the book became a biography.
"The award ceremony was in New York City last Thursday evening. There was no red carpet, no strapless gowns and no statuettes, but there was a big crowd, suspense before the award announcements were made, and I made a short 'I'd-like-to-thank' speech expressing gratitude to Amherst College, among others," he said.
"Khrushchev: The Man and His Era" is the first comprehensive biography of the former soviet leader, according to the College website. It is also the first comprehensive biography of any of the leaders of the Soviet Union that incorporates all of the sources and archives that have become available to researchers in the United States.
Taubman searched through newly-opened archives in Russia and the Ukraine, according the College website. In addition, he interviewed many former compatriots of the dictator, including friends, family and colleagues.
"After spending more than 15 years working on the book, receiving the award felt great," said Taubman.