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2004 - The Judges
Announcement
The judging panel for The BBC Four
Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 2004, the UK’s most important prize
for non-fiction, is announced today, Friday 6th February
2004. The 2004 panel includes writers, journalists
and broadcasters who, combined, hold a broad range of interests
and expertise. Chaired by Michael Wood, the judges
are Aminatta Forna, Martha Kearney, Simon Singh and Francis
Wheen.
Michael Wood comments:
“It is a great thrill to be asked to chair the foremost
non-fiction prize in
Britain - and especially with such a distinguished panel
of judges. Over the
last few years the wonderful range and quality of works in
non-fiction has
proved that truth is not only stranger than fiction, but
often more exciting
and moving too.”
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
awards ceremony and feature complementary programming in
the channel – forming a key part of their commitment
to diverse, intelligent and culturally enriching programmes.
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, which features approximately
twenty titles under serious consideration for the prize,
is to be announced at the middle of March. The shortlist
of up to six titles will be announced at Dr. Johnson’s
House on the 4th May.
The judges will announce the winner of The BBC FOUR Samuel
Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction at an awards dinner at The
Savoy Hotel, London on Tuesday 15th June. The winner receives £30,000,
and each of the shortlisted authors, £1,000.
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