James Salter wins Rea short story prize

[August 24, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- James Salter has won the Rea (RAY') Award for the Short Story, a lifetime achievement honor.

Rea judges released a statement Tuesday praising the 86-year-old Salter as "the most stylish and grave and exact of writers."

Salter will receive $30,000 for the award. It was established in 1986 by the late philanthropist Michael M. Rea and is now directed by his wife, Elizabeth Richebourg (REESH'-borg) Rea.

Salter is revered for his precise, insightful prose. His collections include "Last Night" and "Dusk and Other Stories." He also wrote the novel "A Sport and a Pastime" and the memoir "Burning the Days."

Previous winners include Eudora Welty, John Updike and Grace Paley.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.