The facts

  1. The prize organization named Richardson’s “Alexander: God, King, Man” the 2026 winner at a London ceremony on 4 November. [1][2]

  2. The winner receives £50,000; the award has existed since 1999, when it was launched as the Samuel Johnson Prize. [1][2]

  3. The prize organization and AP report that this is the first ancient-history title to win and that the book was selected from more than 350 eligible works. [1][2]

Relevant context

The prize is open to English-language nonfiction on any subject and to authors of any nationality. [1][2]

Sources

References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 6 Nov 2026, 07:54 UTC.

  1. The Baillie Gifford Prize announces Edmund Richardson as the 2026 winner

    Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction · Primary source · 4 Nov 2026

    Opened the award’s official announcement, which gives the date, work, selection and £50,000 prize.

  2. An acclaimed biography of Alexander the Great wins Baillie Gifford nonfiction prize

    The Associated Press · Reporting · 4 Nov 2026

    Opened AP’s independent report. It confirms the winner, £50,000 amount and first ancient-history winner.

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