Overview

• The six finalists are Jason Burke (The Revolutionists), Helen Garner (How to End a Story), Richard Holmes (The Boundless Deep), Justin Marozzi (Captives and Companions), Adam Weymouth (Lone Wolf) and Frances Wilson (Electric Spark).
• Judges chaired by journalist Robbie Millen praised the list’s breadth and “candor and courage,” highlighting subjects from extremist movements to literary lives and a wolf’s Alpine trek.
• The winner will be announced on November 4 at a London ceremony, with £50,000 for the winner and £5,000 for each shortlisted author.
• The shortlist was selected from about 350 eligible titles published in English in the UK between November 2024 and October 2025.
• Prize director Toby Mundy said discussions are underway to extend Baillie Gifford’s sponsorship, which is due to end this year, after 2024 winner Richard Flanagan declined the prize money and the firm ended support for several book festivals.