Wolves and Writers: Finalists for the Baillie Gifford Nonfiction Prize

LONDON — The shortlist for Britain’s esteemed nonfiction book prize features a mix of literary biographies and studies into deeper societal issues, including extremism, slavery, and the natural world.

The six finalists declared on Thursday for the £50,000 Baillie Gifford Prize include Richard Holmes’s biography of Alfred Lord Tennyson, titled “The Boundless Deep,” along with Frances Wilson’s “Electric Spark,” focusing on Scottish author Muriel Spark. In addition, the diaries of renowned Australian writer Helen Garner, presented in “How to End a Story,” are also in contention.

Competing alongside these works are Jason Burke’s examination of 1970s anti-capitalist militants in “The Revolutionists,” Justin Marozzi’s history of slavery in the Muslim world titled “Captives and Companions,” and Adam Weymouth’s “Lone Wolf,” detailing a wolf’s extensive journey across the Alps in search of a mate.

Robbie Millen, chair of the prize jury, commented on the six books’ “candor and courage,” highlighting their explorations of formidable female authors, problematic literary figures, and turbulent historical events.

The winner will be revealed on November 4 during a ceremony in London. Established in 1999, this prize acknowledges outstanding English-language works across genres such as nonfiction, politics, biography, and the arts, and has played a significant role in promoting informative literature.

Last year’s accolade went to Australian writer Richard Flanagan for his groundbreaking memoir “Question 7,” which he notably declined to accept in protest against fossil fuel investments by the prize’s sponsor.

Baillie Gifford has recently withdrawn its sponsorship from several British book festivals following protests from environmental activists. According to Toby Mundy, the prize’s director, negotiations are underway with Baillie Gifford regarding potential continuation of their sponsorship, which is set to expire this year. Mundy expressed gratitude for their support, stressing the importance of fostering the free exchange of ideas.

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