The Booker Prize: Scandal, Controversy and Marketing Tool
Ellie Cheele
Abstract
This article concerns itself with literary prize culture and the impact it has had on the publishing industry in Britain since the 1960s. With particular reference to the Booker Prize, later the Man Booker Prize, the article will explore the ways in which the prize has developed since its launch in 1968. Of similar significance when looking at the Man Booker Prize, it is important to explore the growing commercial success of its winners. The article will look into the correlation between those titles listed for the prize and the winning titles and their consequential commercial success. The article will discuss how the influence of the Man Booker Prize has helped shape and develop the publishing industry. Furthermore, this study will explore the controversy surrounding the prize ‐ a controversy that has been present since its launch. The Man Booker Prize has become synonymous with scandal, sparking heated arguments not only between the judging panels but also between authors, readers and the media. With the one criterion for the prize being the “best” original full length novel, written in the English language, it is obvious how debate can arise.
Ellie Cheele
Abstract
This article concerns itself with literary prize culture and the impact it has had on the publishing industry in Britain since the 1960s. With particular reference to the Booker Prize, later the Man Booker Prize, the article will explore the ways in which the prize has developed since its launch in 1968. Of similar significance when looking at the Man Booker Prize, it is important to explore the growing commercial success of its winners. The article will look into the correlation between those titles listed for the prize and the winning titles and their consequential commercial success. The article will discuss how the influence of the Man Booker Prize has helped shape and develop the publishing industry. Furthermore, this study will explore the controversy surrounding the prize ‐ a controversy that has been present since its launch. The Man Booker Prize has become synonymous with scandal, sparking heated arguments not only between the judging panels but also between authors, readers and the media. With the one criterion for the prize being the “best” original full length novel, written in the English language, it is obvious how debate can arise.