Episode 16: Samuel Johnson Prize 2013

Overview

The Culture Show reviews the six shortlisted books for Britain's most prestigious award for nonfiction and asks which book will win the coveted prize. The list has never been more eclectic or thought provoking, spanning poetry to politics, taking in our relationship with Roman Britain but also modern Afghanistan, even raising questions about how we commemorate our war dead and why we need bumblebees. The reviewers this year are all former judges of the prize including literary critic and author Diana Athill and journalist Jim Naughtie. Meanwhile publisher Jamie Byng explains why it's never been a more exciting time for nonfiction and gives his verdict on which book deserves to win.