Richard Lee Strout
For distinguished commentary from Washington over many years as staff correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor and contributor to The New Republic.
Winners in Special Citations and Awards
Alex Haley
For Roots, the story of a black family from its origins in Africa through seven generations to the present day in America.
Scott Joplin
A special award is bestowed posthumously on Scott Joplin, in this Bicentennial Year, for his contributions to American music.
Roger Sessions
For his life's work as a distinguished American composer.
1978 Prize Winners
William Safire
For commentary on the Bert Lance affair.
Walter Kerr
For articles on the theater in 1977 and throughout his long career.