21.08.12 | Charlotte Williams - The Bookseller

David Willetts MP will chair the judges for the 2012 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-fiction, with a collection of writers to join him on the panel.

Writer and biographer Patrick French; journalists Paul Laity and Bronwen Maddox; and philosopher, novelist and cultural critic Professor Raymond Tallis will complete the judging panel.

Willetts, who is minister for universities and science, said: "I am delighted to chair the panel of judges for this prestigious prize. We will enjoy reading this year's submissions, which promise to both inform and entertain us in the way that only non-fiction can."

The winner of the 2012 prize will be announced on 12th November, with longlist and shortlist announcements to come earlier in the autumn, on dates to be confirmed.