clapmac. i also want to recognize trustees in the audience this evening. i want to acknowledge the work of our colic, michael ryan and the administration of our price. tonight's program will last about an hour. it will be a reception following following the program and our smith gallery outside. copies of the nominees books will be available for sale in our museum store. we are pleased to welcome andrew roberts back to the new york historical society. he is the distinguished fellow at the new york historical society and director of the harry frank guggenheim foundation in new york. he is also the chair of the 2015 judging committee for the guggenheim prize in military history. in 2012, andrew roberts was awarded the william penn price and in 2007 he delivered the prestigious white house lecture. andrew roberts recent book, was the 2000 winner and 2015 winner of the los angeles times via the price. andrew roberts is the author and editor of 12 books including masters and commanders, how for titans won the war and the west, 1941-1945. we are also thrilled to