Accepting a National Book Foundation Medal in 1993, ゴア・ヴィダル recounted (read by Harry Evans in his absence):
"I did attend one of the first National Book Award Ceremonies 40 years ago. That was also my last experience of book prize giving. ...
The Winner in fiction, was my old friend James Jones, From Here To Eternity. His victory was somewhat marred by Jean Stafford, one of the [five] judges, unlike our present distinguished company, who moved slowly, if unsurely, about the room, stopping before each notable to announce in a loud voice, "The decision was not unanimous."
""National Book Awards – 1952". National Book Foundation. Retrieved 2012-03-12. (With essay by Harold Augenbraum from the Awards 60-year anniversary blog.)
