We’re thrilled to announce this year’s shortlist for the #PENAckerleyPrize, celebrating a literary autobiography of excellence. Watch as Chair of the Judges Peter Parker reveals the shortlisted titles.

The PEN Ackerley Prize was first awarded in 1982. Following the death of Joe Randolph Ackerley (1896 – 1967), author and long-time literary editor of The Listener magazine, his sister Nancy endowed a literary prize in his memory.

The award is given to a literary autobiography of excellence, written by an author of British nationality and published during the preceding year, for which it is felt that J.R. Ackerley would have expressed enthusiasm.