A wider vision

In discussing her biography of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, Victoria Glendinning identified a narrowness of vision in modern British publishing. It had been hard to convince a publisher to take on her new book since it was not about a writer, a monarch, a politician or a soldier. Raffles was 'more concerned with trade than territory', said Glendinning – and that was the source of the problem.

Traditional British disdain for people involved in trade and industry might also be detected in attitudes towards William Armstrong, but this is starting to change. 'In his inventive brilliance and his ability to transform good ideas into a world-changing global business, William Armstrong was Britain's forerunner to Steve Jobs,' said his biographer. 'The shortlisting for the Fisher prize is an important milestone in the wider recognition of Armstrong's astonishing achievements.'

 

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Fisher Prize contenders

Shortlisted authors for the Fisher Prize included Matthew Hollis (the winner), far left, and Henrietta Heald (second from right).

Armstrong biography a strong contender

William Armstrong, Magician of the North by Henrietta Heald made a strong showing in the contest for the H. W. Fisher Best First Biography Prize. The winner, announced on 25 October 2011 at an awards ceremony in central London, was Matthew Hollis for Now All Roads Lead to France, The Last Years of Edward Thomas (Faber), but unofficial reports suggest that Magician of the North, published by Northumbria Press, was not far behind.

Although disappointed not to win the prize, Henrietta Heald said she was thrilled be on the shortlist, mainly because it had brought the genius of William Armstrong of Cragside to the notice of a wider public. 'As anyone who has read my book will know, Armstrong was nothing if not inspirational,' said Henrietta. 'At this time of crisis, we have more need than ever of his extraordinary wisdom and brilliant insights.'

The prize, a cheque for £5,000, was presented at a dinner organised by The Biographers' Club at the Oriental Club in Stratford Place, London W1. The other shortlisted authors were Rachel Campbell-Johnston for Mysterious Wisdom, The Life and Work of Samuel Palmer (Bloomsbury), Judy Golding for The Children of Lovers: A Memoir of William Golding (Faber), Nigel Smith for Andrew Marvell: The Chameleon (Yale) and Giles Tremlett for Catherine of Aragon: Henry's Spanish Queen (Faber).

The Tony Lothian Prize for the best proposal by an unpublished first-time biographer went to Jane Gordon-Cumming for The Royal Baccarat Scandal, and a presentation was made to Lady Selina Hastings for lifetime services to biography. Victoria Glendinning, the distinguished biographer of Anthony Trollope and Vita Sackville-West, among others, was the guest speaker.