Boel Berner, Professor Emerita at the Department of Thematic Studies, Linköping University, has received the Letterstedt Author’s Prize for her book Food, misery and a medical mystery: The story of pellagra. The prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and recognises original work in the fields of science, literature, or the arts.
Research on disease, poverty, and the conditions of science
Anna Nilsen
In the book, Berner follows the research surrounding pellagra – a disease which, during the nineteenth century and early twentieth century, affected millions of people in Southern Europe and the United States. The disease hit poor rural populations hardest and caused skin lesions, stomach problems, mental illness, and often death. Its cause remained unknown for a long time. Initially, many believed that maize itself made people ill. Eventually, however, it became clear that pellagra was a deficiency disease, caused by a diet lacking essential nutrients.
“The book describes, in a factual and remarkably penetrating and exciting way, how difficult it can be to truly understand what is going on,” says Arne Jarrick, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and chair of the prize committee, in the Academy’s announcement of the award.
Pellagra was ultimately shown to be caused by a lack of vitamin B3, which in turn was linked to monotonous diets, poverty, and economic exploitation. The book portrays the researchers’ work, their mistakes and controversies, as well as the political and social contexts that shaped the research.
“A real surprise”
Sara Berner Bengtsson
“I was of course very pleased when I received the email with the news – a real surprise. The prize is significant and prestigious, so it feels incredibly honouring that my book and my research are being recognised in this way,” she says.
The book is based on an interdisciplinary approach that weaves together medical history, social history, and science studies to understand the causes of the disease. She hopes it will reach a broad readership.
“Several readers have said that the book is like a detective story. I wanted to write in a way that encourages reading while also showing how laborious and time‑bound research can be. At a time when science is often questioned, I wanted to provide an example of how persistent research, despite many dead ends, can actually help improve people’s lives.”
A prize with a long tradition
The Letterstedt Author’s Prize is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and amounts this year to 205,000 SEK. The prize was established through a donation by the merchant Johan Gabriel Letterstedt and has been awarded since the late nineteenth century.
