Background

When the historical biographer, Elizabeth Longford died, aged 96, in October 2003, her granddaughter Flora Fraser and Peter Soros, Flora’s American husband, had the idea of founding a prize. Commemorating Elizabeth Longford’s name, it should celebrate annually a historical biography which, like hers, combined scholarship and narrative drive. As the prize – soon given the name which it bears today – took shape, Peter’s business background was invaluable. The Prize, we agreed, should be judged by a panel of historians and historical biographers. The noted historical biographer, Antonia Fraser – also Elizabeth’s daughter and Flora’s mother – agreed to serve as Chair of Judges. Flora became Chair of the Prize and a Judge, and Peter, Patron of the Prize. To our great delight, the Society of Authors agreed to administer the Prize. It has been an education and a pleasure for all at the ELHB to work with Mark Le Fanu, Dorothy Sym, Nicola Solomon and Paula Johnson at the Society. Thanks are due also to the distinguished biographer, Michael Holroyd,  who gave Flora much advice about framing the Prize, and to all Judges, including Professor Ben Pimlott, A.N. Wilson, Andrew Roberts, David Gilmour and Professor Munro Price, who have helped make the Prize what it is today. Since 2008 Professor Roy Foster has been a splendid Chair of Judges.