Although the final details are still to be worked out, British publishers appear to be very close to agreeing to make digital versions of the Man Booker 2007 shortlist available to download for free. It’s something of a revolutionary step for a prize often criticised for being elitist and inaccessible. Now all copies of the finalists’ work will be available to anyone with a browser and an Internet connection across the world and it’s thought (hurrah!) that this strategy won’t actually hurt book sales.
I doubt I’m in the minority when I say I’m much more excited about this than about a free Oasis album. Congratulations to the Man Booker for truly bringing literature to the people.
