Richmond’s Lady Hale Nominated for Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction

Ever picked up a book that tells a true story so brilliantly it feels like you’re right there? A book that makes you see the world in a totally new way? Well, there’s a massive celebration for exactly that kind of writing, and it’s all about championing the incredible non-fiction work by women from around the globe. The longlist for the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction has just been announced, and it’s packed with sixteen amazing books. Even better, one of Yorkshire’s very own, the brilliant Lady Hale from Richmond, is on the list! It’s a huge deal, celebrating female authors who are true thought-leaders in their fields.

So what's the women’s prize for non-fiction all about?

Okay, so you’ve got your storybooks – your fiction – which are brilliant made-up worlds. But non-fiction is all about the real world, and this prize is for the best of it written by women. It’s not about stuffy textbooks that send you to sleep. This is about gripping, accessible, and powerful narrative writing that tells true stories. Think of it as a spotlight on the most amazing female experts and changemakers sharing their knowledge and experience. The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction, sponsored by the family history company Findmypast, was created to celebrate these important voices. It’s for books that tackle big ideas about history, science, art, and life itself, but in a way that anyone can pick up, read, and feel inspired by. The whole point is to find and share stories that can create real change.

A Yorkshire star on the longlist

Right, this is the really exciting bit for us folks in Yorkshire. On that prestigious international longlist is none other than Lady Hale! If that name rings a bell, it’s because she’s one of the most respected legal figures in the country, having been the President of the Supreme Court. Growing up and still living in Richmond, she's a proper local hero. Her book is called With the Law on Our Side: How the Law Works for Everyone and How We Can Make It Work Better. It sounds heavy, but it’s anything but. She uses fascinating real-life court cases to give a tour of the UK’s justice system. One of the judges, Nicola Williams, put it perfectly: “With the Law on Our Side is beautifully and clearly written – told only as Lady Hale can tell it – extremely accessible, and easy to read.” This is what great non-fiction is all about: taking a complicated subject and making it totally understandable. This author has a real knack for making a complex world accessible.

What the judges are saying

The job of picking just sixteen books from all the amazing entries falls to a panel of impressive judges. The Chair of Judges this year is Thangam Debbonaire, a politician and cultural strategist. She was clearly blown away by the quality of the writing this year. She said:

“When I was invited to Chair the 2026 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction I said ‘yes’ without hesitation, because this Prize is a powerful, trusted and necessary platform for women’s voices and experience. Today, alongside my fellow judges, I am proud to reveal a compelling longlist that shows remarkable breadth and depth – women writing excellently on a wide range of subjects, each uncovering something new about our world. The books on this hopeful longlist are rigorous and researched, lyrical and flowing. They are drawn together by the originality and skill with which they have been written. This reading list carries relevance and truth for the future as well as holding significant value for the present day – the books spark curiosity and demand attention; they are for everyone navigating the complicated and unpredictable world we are living in. The voices of these sixteen remarkable women need to be heard – loud and clear.”

A peek at the incredible longlist

The sixteen books on the longlist cover a massive range of topics, showing just how diverse non-fiction can be. It’s an international list, featuring authors from all over, sharing a truly global experience. There’s a real focus on history and personal narrative. You’ve got everything from powerful memoir to deep dives into science and art. Here's a flavour of what's included:

• Deeply Personal Stories: There are some incredibly moving personal stories, or memoir books. The celebrated author and activist Arundhati Roy has her first memoir on the list, exploring her identity and relationship with her mother.

• Adventures in History: Several authors transport readers back in time. Lyse Doucet, a correspondent for the BBC, uses a hotel in Kabul to tell the modern history of Afghanistan. Another book looks at the dark role a famous Paris hotel played during the Second World War. This is history told through a unique narrative lens.

• Understanding Our World: Alongside Lady Hale’s book on law, other writers are tackling big modern questions. There are books on what it means to be British, the experience of migration, and how we find a sense of home in a constantly changing world.

• The Power of Art and Science: Some books explore how art and science shape our lives. One author, Professor Daisy Fancourt, explains the science of how art can improve our health. Another delves into the lives of visionary artist siblings, while a different book explores the astonishing science of trees.

This longlist is a testament to the power of women's writing and the importance of sharing knowledge and experience from female experts and thought-leaders from around the world.

So what happens next?

Getting onto the longlist is a massive achievement for any author, but the prize journey isn't over yet. The judges now have the tough job of whittling those sixteen books down to a final six. Here are the key dates to pop in your calendar:

• Non-Fiction Shortlist Announcement: 25 March 2026

• Winners Revealed: 11 June 2026

The winner of the Women's Prize for Non-Fiction will be announced at a big summer party in London, alongside the winner of the sister prize for fiction. The winning author will receive £30,000 and a special sculpture called 'the Charlotte'. It's a huge moment, recognising one exceptional book for its contribution to our understanding of the world and celebrating the power of female changemakers in the world of writing. It's a fantastic prize for brilliant women, shining a light on non-fiction that informs, inspires, and sparks change.