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.

Other Books Nominated for 2026 Baillie Gifford Prize

The winning book was chosen from over 350 eligible books. It was up against these 5 other shortlisted books.

Book Title and Author

• Alexander: God, King, Man written by Edmund Richardson
• London Falling Patrick authored by Radden Keefe
• Baldwin: A Love Story by Nicholas Boggs
• The Great Dictator written by Matthew Sweet
• Days of Love and Rage by Anand Gopal
• The Traveller by Andrea Wulf

The 2025 winner was Helen Garner from Australia for her book How to End a Story: Collected Diaries.