Because of a change in the rules, a years-worth of the best writing couldn't be considered for the 1971 Booker Prize... So they're running it again:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/01/lost-man-booker-longlist-1970

Which would you give it to?

Emma

How interesting that it's a much more populist longlist than would ever occur in a "normal" year. Patrick O'Brian, for example, I seriously doubt he would ever have been included had the prize actually been assessed in 1971.

It just goes to show how hindsight changes perception. I don't know who I'd vote for - there are so many on that list that I love, and many more that I haven't read.

Ditto Brian Aldiss. Who I'd vote for, simply because the speculative genres, despite producing certain works of great literary merit, almost never gets a look in.

JB

I'd go for Ruth Rendell because she's kept me entertained more than any other novelist since about 1982.

I haven't read many of them, but Out of the Shelter by David Lodge would probably get my vote.

Has to be Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault

One of my all time favourite books.

Sarah