Oct 5, 2021

The Mutant Project long-listed for 2021 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction

We are delighted to share the news that The Mutant Project has been long-listed for the 2021 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction. Formerly known as the Samuel Johnson Prize, this award honours the very best in non-fiction writing, covering history, politics, science and the arts. Previous shortlisted and winning authors have included Orhan Pamuk, Lucy Hughes-Hallett, Steven Pinker and Helen Macdonald. 

The Mutant Project, by American anthropologist Eben Kirksey, takes the reader on a continent-hopping journey to meet the key individuals who are bringing cutting-edge genetic engineering tools like CRISPR to their local clinics. As gene editing fuels an innovation economy that threatens to widen racial and economic inequality, the book asks searching questions about science, health and social justice.

Paul Stevens, editor for Bristol’s publishing in science, technology and society, says “I was thrilled to learn that Eben’s book has been long-listed for this prestigious award. A genuine page-turner, The Mutant Project is a fine example of how academic authors can and should make a difference to public conversations around such significant topics.”

Our sincere congratulations to Eben—we will be keeping our fingers crossed when the shortlist is announced on October 15.