Booker Prize goes to British novel 40 years late

In London, the late author J.G. Farrell was honored with what's known as the Lost Booker Prize for his 1970 novel, "Troubles."

The Man Booker Prize, one of the most important British awards for literature, was created in 1969, and initially was awarded retrospectively. But two years after its initiation, the award was changed to honor the best novel of the year of publication. As a result, a number of books published in 1970 were never considered for the prize.

Conceived by Peter Straus, honorary archivist to The Booker Prize Foundation, the Lost Booker Prize is a one-off award to rectify the 40-year-old anomaly.

"Troubles" is the first part of a trilogy exploring the end of the British Empire. It tells the story of an Englishman who becomes involved in the social upheaval that develops during the Irish War of Independence.

J.G. Farrell won the regular Booker prize in 1973 for "The Siege of Krishnapur." It's the second part of the trilogy, which was completed with "The Singapore Grip" in 1978. The author died a year later.

Author: Julian Bohne
Editor: Kate Bowen