The National Book Critics Circle awarded Tim Jeal first place in the category of Biography for Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa’s Greatest Explorer. The NBCC blog Critical Mass liveblogged the award ceremony:

7:06 p.m.: Art Winslow announces the winner for Biography. It’s…

TIM JEAL, FOR STANLEY: THE IMPOSSIBLE LIFE OF AFRICA’S GREATEST EXPLORER!

7:10 p.m.: Tim Jeal takes the mike, and is “deeply grateful” to his wife for putting up with him. Says “gobsmacked,” which is the best reason for putting anyone from the UK near a mike.

Read more about the award here.

Jeal’s been having a great week. Last Thursday he was named a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in the category of Biography. The winner of that award will be announced in late April at the LA Times Festival of Books.