The Harness Prize is awarded annually for an essay on a subject in the field of Shakespearian Literature. The subject for 2006 will be 'Shakespeare and Politics'. A candidate may however submit an essay on a subject connected with Shakespearian Literature selected by himself or herself and approved by the Examiners. A candidate wishing to submit a subject for approval must send it to the Registrary so as to reach him not later than the first day of Full Lent Term 2006, i.e. 17 January 2006.
Any undergraduate or graduate may be a candidate for the Prize who on 31 August 2006 is of not more than three years' standing from 31 December following the date of admission to his or her first degree, whether of this or another University.
Essays should not exceed 20,000 words and should not generally be less than 15,000 words, and should be printed or typewritten. They should be sent with a declaration of length, to the Registrary (addressed to the Awards Clerk), The Old Schools, Cambridge, CB2 1TN so as to arrive not later than 31 August 2006. Each essay must bear a motto but not the candidate's name, and must be accompanied by a sealed envelope bearing the motto outside and containing the candidate's name and College.
The successful candidate must send a printed or typewritten copy of the essay to the Vice Chancellor, to each Adjudicator, to the University Library, and to the Library of Christ's College.