Islands of Abandonment
Cal Flyn
2021 The Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
In the 23rd prize year, the nominated books explored empire and its impact, personal stories, the environment, and notorious historical figures from a range of international authors, including two pieces in translation.
Longlist announced
9 September 2021
Shortlist announced
15 October 2021
Winner & prize ceremony
16 November 2021
What the judges said"What impressed us most was the skill with which he has told his jaw-dropping tale, and how immersive and unputdownable he has made the telling”
The shortlist
A prestigious shortlist of books are selected each year for the prize.
What the judges said"Every one of these books is an enveloping read. There's attack here, deep learning, challenge, keen analysis and revelation, but above all, there is outstanding storytelling, and deep pleasure to be had in reading all six of the books on this list"
The longlist
In addition to the shortlisted books, six other books were chosen for the longlist.
What the judges said"A list full of rigour, endeavour, variety and real verve, open to a broad readership, with some terrific surprises, and an onus on originality"
Meet the judges for 2021
The longlist, shortlist and winner is chosen by a panel of independent judges, which changes every year.
Andrew Holgate
Literary editor of The Sunday Times
Sara Collins
Winner of the 2019 Costa First Novel Award
Dr Helen Czerski
Physicist, Oceanographer, writer and broadcaster
Kathryn Hughes
Literary non-fiction critic for the Guardian newspaper
Dominic Sandbrook
Historian and columnist
