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7th October 2008

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McCrum calls for Booker reform

22.10.07

Robert McCrum, the Observer's literary editor, has reponded to criticism of literary editors by prize chairman Sir Howard Davies by claiming that that prize is in need of "root-and-branch reform". In his weekly column, McCrum accuses the Booker of being "out of touch", and writes that Davies had given "one of the most embarrassing Booker speeches in living memory".

Davies used the Booker awards ceremony as a platform to mount an attack on the art of book reviewing. Too many reviewers adopt a reverential tone for books that barely deserve a review, let alone recommendation, he said.

"It is amazing what one speech can do," writes McCrum. "On the way into London's Guildhall last week I was: a) rather in favour of the Man Booker prize; and b) only half persuaded by Robert Harris's magnificent assault on its 'evils' in the Evening Standard. Three hours later, the only good news was that Anne Enright had won."

McCrum writes: "The prize has reverted to the original model. But where once, pace Harris, it identified some really great books, it is now spectacularly out of touch." McCrum adds: "For radical reform, the prize, the sponsorship, and probably the administration of the prize, should be transferred to an organisation that understands the subtle and complex opportunities of arts promotion."

Guardian

The Booker Prize Rober McCrum