The Man Booker Prize is one of the most significant literary awards available to authors from the British Commonwealth and Republic of Ireland.
The Man Booker prize is one of the most significant awards in the literary year. Open to authors from the British Commonwealth and the Republic of Ireland the £50,000 prize is awarded to the author of the best original full-length novel of the year.
Winners:
Winning the prize or even being included onto the long and short list can make a significant difference to an author. The international publicity can bring a jump in sales and raise a writer's profile. For some writers this can endorse an already successful career, whereas for others this can be an important step on the ladder.
Many famous names have won the prize over the years, Roddy Doyle (1993), Margaret Atwood (2000), Ian McEwan (1998) and Peter Carey (1988 and 2001) are just a few. The Man Booker website has a complete archive of prize-winners including cover pictures.
The Panel:
The prize is judged by a panel comprising of people from different backgrounds. Their role is to read every book nominated. The reading starts in March and continues until August when the long list of 13 is prepared. This is then re read and the short list of 6 is decided from which the winner is announced.
When asked whether he read at work, Chair Howard Davies responded "What a shocking insinuation! It is more or less possible to manage in one's spare time, by cutting out other reading, and non-essentials like television and sleep. But a full three weeks of holiday was devoted to the last 25 or so, by all of us."
History:
The prize was launched in 1968 by the then Booker McConnel Company. In 2002 the prize was transferred to the Booker Prize Foundation and sponsored by the Man Group who opted to retain 'Booker' in part of the official title. This has helped to retain the unique identity of the prize that is internationally known.
Why is The Man Booker Prize Important?:
The Man Booker Prize is world renowned. It is important for authors and publishers because of the international recognition it brings. For readers this represents the opportunity to learn about new authors, perhaps discovering some previously unheard of gems.
The Man Booker Prize also garners opinion from many people including media professionals, luminaries from the literary world and a smattering of celebrities. Agreeing or disagreeing with the large amount of comment about the awards can be a pleasing past time for a keen reader.
Further Reading:
Official Man Booker Prize website
Review of On Chesil Beach, short listed book by Ian McEwan
Report of 2007 winner at the BBC website
