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In this article the author discusses the Man Booker Prize, an annual award honoring fiction written in English, presented in London, England. The history of the award is traced, the author comparing winners of the Man Booker with those who have won another British literary prize, the James Tait Black Memorial Award. Other issues examined include the uncertain origin of the Man Booker and the rules governing novels nominated for consideration.

Comments on the complexity of the literary world in London, England. Complaint of Salman Rushdie about British critics; History of the literary world that is characterized as two half worlds, gilded and bohemian, which began in Paternoster Row and a seedier side that started in Grub Street; Role of publishing houses in the 19th century; Discussion about the impact of literary editor Karl Miller on the London literary world; Topics of premature reviewing and the abolition of the Net Book Agreement.