Samuel Johnson Prize

Samuel Johnson Prize

The Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction (motto: "All the Best Stories are True") is one of the most prestigious prizes for non-fiction writing. It was founded in 1999 following the demise of the NCR Book Award and based on an anonymous donation. The prize is named after Samuel Johnson. The prize covers current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts. The competition is open to authors of any nationality whose work is published in the UK in English.

From its inception until 2008 the award was fully named The BBC FOUR Samuel Johnson Prize and managed by BBC Four. In 2009 it was renamed as BBC Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction and managed by BBC Two. The new name reflected the BBC’s commitment to broadcasting coverage of the Prize on BBC 2, The Culture Show. Prior to the name change in 2009, the monetary prize amount was GB£30,000 for the winner, and each finalist received £2500. After 2009 the monetary prize was £20,000 for the winner, and each finalist received £1000.

In February 2012, the steering committee for the prize announced that a new sponsor had been found for the prize, an anonymous philanthropist, and that the prize was to be raised to £25,000.

Read more about Samuel Johnson Prize:  2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999

Famous quotes containing the words samuel johnson, johnson and/or prize:

    Sir, you have but two topics, yourself and me. I am sick of both.
    Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

    Johnson did not answer ...; but talking for victory and determined to be master of the field, he had recourse to the device which Goldsmith imputed to him in the witty words of one of Cibber’s comedies. “There is no arguing with Johnson; for when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.”
    —Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)

    In the corrupted currents of this world
    Offence’s gilded hand may shove by justice,
    And oft ‘tis seen the wicked prize itself
    Buys out the law; but ‘tis not so above:
    There is no shuffling.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)