17°c A few clouds
22°c Thundershowers
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION
'Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop' wins prize for year's oddest book title
LONDON - A supernaturally tinged barnyard manual has won Britain's quirkiest literary award, the Diagram Prize for year's oddest book title.
"Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop" by Reginald Bakeley was awarded the prize Friday by trade magazine The Bookseller.
The book took 38 per cent of the votes in a public ballot, beating finalists including "How Tea Cosies Changed the World," ''Was Hitler Ill?" and "God's Doodle: The Life and Times of the Penis."
"Goblinproofing One's Chicken Coop" is subtitled "and other practical advice in our campaign against the fairy kingdom." It is described by its Massachusetts-based publisher, Conari Press, as "the essential primer for banishing the dark fairy creatures that are lurking in the dark corners and crevices of your life."
Diagram Prize overseer Horace Bent said it was no coincidence "in these austere times that a book aimed to assist members of the public frugally farming their own produce proved the most popular title."
The book's editor, Clint Marsh, said he and the author were honoured to receive a prize that "celebrates the playfulness that is at the heart of much of the world's best book publishing."
"Reginald and I take this as a clear sign that people have had enough of goblins in their chicken coops," he said. "Our campaign against the fairy kingdom continues."
The prize was founded in 1978. Its rules say the books must be serious and their titles not merely a gimmick.
Previous winners of the quirky prize include "Bombproof Your Horse," ''Living With Crazy Buttocks" and "Managing a Dental Practice: The Genghis Khan Way."
More FP News Top Story
- Back to Top
- Return to FP News Top Story
More FP News Top Story
(1 of 50 articles for this year)
Harper assailed for cutting Elections Canada budget despite vote problems
05/1/2013 5:40 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular FP News Top Story
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- PM Harper, Justin Trudeau shoot blanks in first parliamentary duel
- Harper government has no plans to sell Via Rail: Transport spokesman
- American who shipped grey wolf pelt to Alberta hunting "buddy" pleads guilty
- Canadian submarine HMCS Windsor slowly lowered into Halifax harbour
- Ryerson officials say no punishment planned after apparent hazing ritual on ice
- Prince Philip presented with Order of Canada during royal visit to Toronto
- US couple flees house infested with garter snakes, describe living in a 'horror movie'
- Ten years after 9-11, Canada-U.S. relationship has both trouble spots and bright spots
- Nova Scotia signs deal with Ottawa to declare Sable Island a national park
- Harper government has no plans to sell Via Rail: Transport spokesman
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- American-US Airways merger could jeopardize major hub airports, as mega airline consolidates
- US couple flees house infested with garter snakes, describe living in a 'horror movie'
- Pakistani model's tattooed nude photo in Indian magazine causes uproar
- Canadian submarine HMCS Windsor slowly lowered into Halifax harbour
- CGI establishes Ottawa centre focused on cyber security for businesses
- Afghan army gives donated rifles back to Canada in favour of U.S. weapons
- Israeli archaeologists discover ancient clay seal in Jerusalem, suggest link to Temple ritual
- PM Harper, Justin Trudeau shoot blanks in first parliamentary duel
- Dates set for recreational food fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Pakistani model's tattooed nude photo in Indian magazine causes uproar
- Harper government has no plans to sell Via Rail: Transport spokesman
- Israeli archaeologists discover ancient clay seal in Jerusalem, suggest link to Temple ritual
- Pressure grows to improve human rights for transgender people in Newfoundland
- Unidentified victims of Bangladesh collapse buried as more graves are readied; toll now 420
- Police: Boston Marathon bomb suspect fired shots from boat, hospitalized in serious condition
- In unusual pattern, Oklahoma tornado tracked path of 1999 monster twister with record winds
- Ten years after 9-11, Canada-U.S. relationship has both trouble spots and bright spots
- US couple flees house infested with garter snakes, describe living in a 'horror movie'
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.