The National Book Awars are among the most eminent literary prizes in the United States. Started in 1950, the awards are presented annually to American authors for literature published in the prior year, as well as lifetime achievement awards including the "Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters" and the "Literarian Award". The purpose of the awards is "to raise the cultural appreciation of great writing in America." In 1988 the National Book Foundation was established which now oversees and manages the National Book Awards.