Costa Book Awards 1987: Complete list of winners

The 1987 Costa Book Awards showcased some of the finest writing of the decade, with a particularly striking roster of winners that included both established literary heavyweights and exciting new talent. Ian McEwan’s The Child in Time claimed the Novel prize, cementing his reputation as one of Britain’s most important contemporary voices, while Seamus Heaney’s The Haw Lantern brought the Poetry award to the Irish master poet. The recognition of these major figures alongside emerging writers demonstrated the Costa Book Awards’ commitment to celebrating excellence across the full spectrum of literary achievement.

What made this year especially memorable was the triumph of fresh voices in the categories beyond fiction and poetry. Christopher Nolan’s groundbreaking Under the Eye of the Clock won the Biography award, offering readers an intimate and innovative look at life’s complexities, while Geraldine McCaughrean introduced young readers to remarkable historical storytelling with A Little Lower than the Angels, her win in the Children’s Book category signaling the award’s recognition that outstanding writing for younger audiences deserves the same critical attention as adult literature. Francis Wyndham’s The Other Garden completed the picture as First Novel winner, proving that debut authors could stand proudly alongside their more experienced peers.

Here’s the complete list of 1987 Costa Book Awards winners across all categories:

Biography

• Under the Eye of the Clock by Christopher Nolan

Children’s Book

• A Little Lower than the Angels by Geraldine McCaughrean

First Novel

• The Other Garden by Francis Wyndham

Novel

• The Child in Time by Ian McEwan

Poetry

• The Haw Lantern by Seamus Heaney