2005 - The Judges
Announcement

The judging panel for The BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 2005, the UK’s most important prize for non-fiction, is announced today, Friday 14th January 2005.  The 2005 panel represents the finest in academic and literary experience and includes writers, journalists and broadcasters. Chaired by Sue MacGregor, the judges are Marcus du Sautoy, Andrew Holgate, Maria Misra and John Simpson.

Sue MacGregor comments:

"I'm looking forward hugely to working with our talented panel of judges. We have quite a daunting task ahead. Picking even a long list of the best non-fiction of the year, when standards have never been higher, will be testing for us all.  But it will also be immensely enjoyable, for we're sure to make plenty of exciting discoveries. I can't wait!”

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 will be announced in the middle of March. The shortlist of up to six titles will be announced at Dr. Johnson’s House in 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 14th June. The winner receives £30,000, and each of the shortlisted authors, £1,000.