In 1955, the Mystery Writers of America established the Grand Master Award. Its intent was to recognize not only those writers who have made significant contributions to the genre of mystery and crime literature through their writing careers, but whose works are also consistently of the highest possible quality. This is the highest honor the MWA offers, to be bestowed upon a writer who has made a real difference in the field. With each additional name, the list of honorees (a veritable Who's Who of mystery authors) becomes ever more prestigious and sought after.
And the winners are:
Sources:
Mystery Writers of America. "The Grand Master Awards." The Mystery Writers of America Web Site. <http://www.mysterywriters.org/awards/grand.html> (December 17, 2002)