The Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography has announced its highly anticipated shortlist for 2025, showcasing a diverse array of compelling narratives and meticulously researched lives. In a statement, the distinguished judging panel, chaired by Professor Roy Foster and including Antonia Fraser, Flora Fraser, Richard Davenport-Hines, and Professor Rana Mitter, revealed the five contenders vying for the prestigious award, which celebrates historical biography that combines scholarly rigour with engaging storytelling.
The shortlisted titles, presented alphabetically by author, are: Stephen Alford’s All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil (Allen Lane), Tim Blanning’s Augustus the Strong: A Study of Artistic Greatness and Political Fiasco (Allen Lane), Helen Castor’s The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV (Allen Lane), Dan Jones’s Henry V: The Astonishing Rise of England’s Greatest Warrior King (Apollo), and Adam Shatz’s The Rebel’s Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Frantz Fanon (Apollo).
Professor Foster lauded this year’s selection, stating, “It has been a vintage year for historical biography, and the 2025 shortlist is one of the strongest we can remember.” He underscored the breadth of subjects and historical periods covered, from the shadowy world of Elizabethan espionage to the political and cultural landscape of 18th-century Central Europe, the dramatic establishment of the Lancastrian monarchy, and the intellectual ferment of mid-20th-century decolonisation.
The judges highlighted the authors’ ability to illuminate pivotal historical moments through the experiences of remarkable individuals, offering fresh perspectives grounded in impressive research and insightful biographical analysis. This approach, Professor Foster noted, perfectly embodies the spirit of the prize, which aims to encourage biographies that powerfully connect individual lives with broader historical contexts.
Founded in 2003 in memory of the acclaimed biographer Elizabeth Longford by her granddaughter Flora Fraser and Peter Soros, the prize remains the only UK literary award specifically dedicated to historical biography. It recognises works that, like Longford’s own, masterfully blend scholarship and narrative drive.
The winner of the 22nd Elizabeth Longford Prize for Historical Biography will be announced at a ceremony held at Flora Fraser’s London residence on Tuesday, June 17.
