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Stanfords welcomed a large and lively crowd to the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards held in the Stanfords flagship Covent Garden shop. Every one of the 18 shortlisted titles was represented at the event held on the evening of 18th March 2026.
Sophy Roberts exposes a sad tale of colonial greed which our judges praised as “Incredibly well researched and a genuinely gripping narrative”. The judges appreciated the detailed maps and extensive use of historic photographs in the book. The judges also noted the “very well written details of Roberts own adventures” in researching this book.
In 1879, King Leopold II of Belgium launched a plan to use elephants to harvest Africa’s resources. He commissioned an Irish adventurer to ship 4 tamed Asian elephants from India to East Africa aiming to establish a training school for African elephants. Following in the footsteps of the 4 elephants, Roberts pieces together the story of this long-forgotten expedition digging deep into historic records.
A marvellous mix of colonial history, beautiful landscapes and the disgraceful treatment of elephants by humans.
The judging panel were unanimous in their enthusiasm for this beautiful book. One judge commented that this book “presents a fascinating culture through an exciting story and exquisite illustrations.” Another judge told the group that she was “captivated by the sense of mystery and the emotions of the characters.”
Reading this story you’ll be able to taste the salt water on your lips. This book is presented like a journal that the author has promised his younger siblings he will write. You'll learn survival skills and meet the people and the creatures who share their tropical home.
But you will also learn that there is a dark underbelly to this tropical paradise.
“This tells the tale of a family caught up in a changing country” commented one judge “describing a great contrast between the rural and urban.” “A story of anger and greed and ambition with a gut wrenching plot twist in the final pages”.
Living in rural Pakistan Tara is desperate to leave her quiet life. She marries a middle-class accountant and moves to the capital. But she soon finds that life as a respectable housewife is not sufficient either. She wants what the rich mothers at her children’s school have.
This novel traces the struggle of a woman stuck between province and metropolis, between motherhood and ambition. An exploration of a complex and unforgettable character who will risk everything to carve out a life of her own.
Also announced was the winner of the Bradt New Travel Writer of the year. This competition is for unpublished writers and the theme of this years award was The Kindness of Strangers
This book contains a selection of 40 of the entries to the Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year 2026. The winner of this year's competition is Lucy Evanson who wrote An Evening in Bishkek.
The Shortlists
From indie presses to global bestsellers, the Edward Stanford Writing Awards celebrate the finest Travel Writing of the year. Check out the incredible shortlists for:
