Costa Book Awards 1975: Complete list of winners

The Costa Book Awards in 1975 showcased the breadth of British literary achievement, celebrating everything from debut fiction to meticulously researched biography. Established in 1971 as the Whitbread Book Awards before adopting the Costa name in 2006, this prize has long held a reputation for spotting genuine literary talent across multiple categories. That year’s winners reflected a fascinating mix of voices: Helen Corke’s intimate biographical work In Our Infancy, Ruth Spalding’s ambitious first novel The Improbist Puritan: A Life of Bulstrode Whitelocke, and William McIlvanney’s evocative novel Docherty each brought something distinctive to the conversation about contemporary writing.

What’s striking about this particular year is how the awards balanced established storytelling craft with fresh perspectives entering the literary world. The first novel category, in particular, underscores how the Costa has always functioned as a launchpad for writers who would go on to significant careers. McIlvanney’s Docherty, which claimed the top novel prize, stands as a testament to the award’s commitment to recognizing literary fiction that grapples with character and meaning over commercial appeal alone.

Below you’ll find the complete list of 1975 Costa Book Awards winners across all categories:

Biography

• In Our Infancy by Helen Corke

First Novel

• The Improbable Puritan: A Life of Bulstrode Whitelocke by Ruth Spalding

Novel

• Docherty by William McIlvanney