Edmund Richardson Wins 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for Biography of Alexander the Great

A British academic has been awarded the 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction for his book Alexander: God, King, Man, which outlines the life and exploits of Alexander the Great. Edmund Richardson was presented with the prize and £50,000 ($67,000) at a ceremony held in London on November 4th 2026. It marks the first time a book on ancient history has won the prestigious prize for best nonfictional writing in English.

About the Winning Book: Alexander: God, King, Man

Title: Alexander: God, King, Man
Author: Edmund Richardson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Summary: Details the military exploits, political career and personal life of Alexander the Great.

This book provides a vivid insight into ancient history using historical research, archaeology and modern technology. The judges, led by British journalist Kirsty Lang, said it was an engaging book. Richardson is a Professor of Classics at Durham University, United Kingdom.

Overview of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction

The Baillie Gifford Prize is one of the most prestigious prizes in British literature. It recognises excellence in nonfiction books written in English. The books cover a wide range of topics including history, current affairs, politics, science, sports, travel, biographies, autobiographies and the arts.

Key information,

Established in 1999
Origianlly named the Samuel Johnson Prize for Nonfiction
Renamed in 2016
Currently sponsored by Baillie Gifford
£50,000 prize
Open to authors of any nationality
Judged by an independent panel

It was first awarded in 1999 to historian Antony Beevor for his book Stalingrad. The prize was sponsored by Baillie Gifford in 2016 and was renamed.

Alexander the Great Key Historical Facts

Alexander the Great was the king of Ancient Macedonia and formed one of the largest empires of Ancient times.

Full Name: Alexander III of Macedon
Common Name: Alexander the Great
Born: 356 BC
Born In: Pella, Macedonia
Father: Philip II of Macedon
Mother: Olympias
Teacher: Aristotle
Became King: 336 BC
Age When Became King: 20 years old
Main Rival: Persian Empire
Battle of Hydaspes: 326 BC
Rival in India: King Porus
Died: 323 BC
Died In: Babylon
Age When Died: 32 years old

After the assassination of his father, Philip II, he became king of Macedonia. He went on to increase his empire by conquering Greece, Egypt, Persia and parts of the northwestern Indian subcontinent.

The invasion of the Indian subcontinent included the Battle of Hydaspes (326 BC), where he fought against King Porus along the banks of the Jhelum River in what is now Pakistan.