The Baillie Gifford Prize aims to reward the best of non-fiction and is open to authors of any nationality. It covers all non-fiction in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts.
Formerly known as The Samuel Johnson Prize (1999 – 2015) it is the most prestigious non-fiction prize in the UK, worth £50,000.
The 'Winner of Winners' award marks the 25th anniversary of the UK’s premier non-fiction book prize. It will crown the best work of non-fiction from the last 25 years, recognising the outstanding work of all previous 24 prizewinners.
The shortlist of 6 books were chosen by the Winner of Winners Award judging panel: New Statesman editor-in-chief, Jason Cowley (chair); academic, critic and broadcaster, Shahidha Bari; journalist, author and academic, Sarah Churchwell; and biographer and critic Frances Wilson. Their selection was made from the previous 24 prizewinning books. The winner will receive £25,000.
