Baillie Gifford Prize Longlist Features 13 Nonfiction Authors

The Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction has revealed its 2026 longlist, comprising 13 authors whose works span espionage, true crime, and contemporary conflicts. Among the selected authors are Charlotte Higgins, the chief culture writer for The Guardian; Patrick Radden Keefe, an American investigative journalist; and Ben Macintyre, a bestselling historian known for his works on espionage. This year's longlist highlights a diverse range of compelling narratives that delve into significant historical and current events.

Charlotte Higgins's book, "Ukrainian Lessons: Art in a Time of War," is recognized for its exploration of the role of culture in Ukraine's resistance against the Russian invasion. Higgins drew upon multiple reporting trips to Ukraine to inform her narrative, providing an in-depth look at the intersection of art and conflict. Patrick Radden Keefe, who previously won the Baillie Gifford Prize in 2021 for "Empire of Pain," is nominated again for "London Falling." This work recounts the story of Zac Brettler, a teenager who died after falling from a luxury London apartment, a narrative that reportedly involves him posing as the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch. Ben Macintyre's contribution, "Redwood: The Untold Story of the Cold War's Most Extraordinary Spy," focuses on the life of a KGB double agent who was cultivated by MI6 in revolutionary Tehran, shedding light on a critical period of Cold War intelligence operations.

The Baillie Gifford Prize, established in 1999, is one of the United Kingdom's most prestigious literary awards for nonfiction. It celebrates excellence in factual writing and aims to promote and encourage the reading of high-quality nonfiction. The prize is awarded annually to the best book of the year of nonfiction, whether in the field of history, biography, travel, science, politics, or the arts. The longlist, announced on September 3, 2026, represents the initial selection of works by the judging panel, from which a shortlist will be drawn before the final winner is announced. The prize is supported by the Baillie Gifford investment management company.

The inclusion of these 13 authors on the longlist signifies the high caliber of nonfiction writing being produced. The range of subjects covered, from the intricacies of international espionage and the dark undercurrents of true crime to the resilience of culture amidst geopolitical upheaval, demonstrates the breadth and depth of contemporary nonfiction. The judging panel will now deliberate further to select a shortlist, narrowing down the contenders before the ultimate prize winner is revealed. The longlist itself serves as a valuable guide for readers interested in engaging with significant and well-researched factual accounts of the world.