Living Canon

Costa Book Awards 1978: Complete list of winners

The 1978 Costa Book Awards showcased the remarkable range of British and Commonwealth literature, recognizing works that captured readers’ imaginations across multiple genres. The Costa Book Awards, long celebrated as one of the UK’s most prestigious literary honors, celebrated three standout winners that year: Paul Theroux’s ambitious novel Picture Palace, Philippa Pearce’s beloved children’s title The Battle of Bubble & Squeak, and John Grigg’s authoritative biography Lloyd George: The People’s Champion. Each winner brought something distinctive to the table—from Theroux’s exploration of photography and family secrets to Pearce’s charming tale of sibling friendship and her distinctive gift for writing for young readers.

What made 1978 particularly interesting was the diversity represented across the Costa Book Awards categories. This was a period when the award was establishing itself as a major force in championing accessible, engaging literature that appealed to everyday readers rather than just literary critics. John Grigg’s biographical work demonstrated the award’s respect for rigorous historical scholarship, while the selection of Pearce’s children’s book reflected the Costa’s commitment to recognizing quality writing for younger audiences—a dedication that remains core to the award’s mission today.

Here are the winners from the 1978 Costa Book Awards:

Biography

Children’s Book

Novel