Student shortlisted for Oxford–BNU creative writing award 2026

A student of St Antony’s has been shortlisted for the Oxford–BNU Creative Writing Award 2026 with a short story about academic culture, philosophy, and the quest for truth. This award celebrates new writers and showcases fresh work across various genres.

Francesco Rahe (MPhil, Islamic Studies & History) is recognised for his story The Hat. It tells of a famous Hegel scholar who vanishes during a lecture, leaving behind only his signature top hat. The story mixes magical realism and mystery, reflecting on themes like academia, epistemology, and social posturing in intellectual circles.

Rahe wrote the story last year for a friend struggling with an essay on Hegel. After receiving a positive response, he decided to enter it in the competition.

The narrative explores academic life, focusing on how intelligence and its display can indicate status. It also reveals more genuine motivations for scholarly work, such as a desire to engage with truth.

Rahe said he was ‘quite thrilled’ to learn of his shortlisting, adding that it was a surprise. He shared the good news with friends and family, who reacted warmly.

Looking ahead, Rahe is eager to attend the awards ceremony and meet the other finalists. He hopes to connect more with Oxford’s literary community, which he finds vibrant and inspiring for emerging writers.