2008 - The Judges
Announcement

Chair of Judge - Rosie Boycott

Rosie Boycott, one of Britain’s leading journalists and broadcasters,is today, 7th February, announced as Chair of the Judges for the 2008 BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction. This is the 10th year of the prize which is the UK’s richest and most prestigious non-fiction literary award.

Rosie Boycott is joined by an eclectic panel of judges who offer a wide range of literary, journalistic and academic experience. They are Guardian Literary Editor, Claire Armitstead; award winning poet Daljit Nagra;  Science Museum Director, Professor Chris Rapley, and film-maker Hannah Rothschild.

Rosie Boycott comments:

"I am thrilled and excited to be the chair of the BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize this year. I have always been a passionate believer that 'all the best stories are true'. Last year saw the publication of many wonderful - and varied - works of non-fiction. This plethora of riches will not make the final judging process easy - however, it does guarantee that I and my fellow judges will have a very stimulating and rewarding journey."

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 short films made for each of the shortlisted books.

The BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize is open to authors of all non-fiction books published in the UK, regardless of nationality. The longlist, which features approximately twenty titles, will be announced in April. The shortlist of up to six titles will be announced in early May.

The judges will announce the winner of the Prize at an awards dinner in the Ballroom at the South Bank Centre, London in early July. The winner receives £30,000, and each of the five shortlisted authors, £1,000.