2002 - The Judges
Announcement

The judging panel of The BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 2002, the UK’s most important prize for non-fiction, is announced today, Tuesday 30 April 2002.   The panel, chaired by David Dimbleby, represents the finest in academic and literary experience and comprises: scientist Richard Fortey; literary editor of the Sunday Times, Caroline Gascoigne; writer and broadcaster Bonnie Greer; and best selling novelist and journalist Robert Harris.

The Prize, sponsored by BBC Four, aims to reward the best of non-fiction, from biography, travel and popular science to the arts and current affairs.  BBC Four will televise the award ceremony and feature complementary programming on the channel - forming a key part of the their commitment to diverse, intelligent and culturally enriching programmes.

David Dimbleby comments: “I am looking forward to chairing the eclectic jury for this prestigious prize. I want us to focus the spotlight of publicity on a book that is original, serious, thought provoking and enticingly well written.  Which book it will be I have no idea.”

The BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize is open to the authors of all non-fiction books published in the UK, regardless of nationality. The longlist, approximately twenty-five titles under serious consideration for the prize, will be announced in early May, and the shortlist will be announced in late May.

The judges will announce the BBC Four Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction at an awards dinner in London on Monday 24 June.  The winner receives £30,000, and each of the shortlisted authors, £1,000.