The awards were established by the powerful publisher Joseph Pulitzer.

Pulitzer owned the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he purchased the New York World in 1883.

Pulitzer helped to shape the modern newspaper.

He added many features to his newspapers, including sports, comics, fashions, and illustrations.

Pulitzer’s papers also gained a reputation for sensational reporting.

Pulitzer left money to Columbia University the awards were established in 1917.

Pulitzer planned four awards for journalism and four for letters more categories were added later.

Following a preliminary judging, the candidates are judged by an advisory board .

Anyone may make a nomination, the nomination must include the work.

Pulitzer’s career was ended by his failing health he had paved the way for future journalists.

Pearl Buck wrote many stories about Chinese life, she did not achieve success until 1931 when The Good Earth was published.

Pearl spent much of her childhood in China because her parents were missionaries.

This work was recognized with a Pulitzer Prize, she continued to write novels.

Pearl Buck also wrote novels under the pen name of John Sedges.