14°c A few clouds
28°c Isolated showers
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 World
- Back to Top
- Return to World
More World
(1 of 12 articles for today)
Bomb blasts as gunmen attack UN compound in Mogadishu; battle ongoing with al-Shabab fighters
5:32 AM 0MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaida-linked militants detonated multiple bomb blasts and engaged in ongoing battles with security forces in an attempt ...
Poll
Most Popular World
- Hungary accuses ex-Canadian citizen, 98, of Nazi-era war crimes against Jews
- Bombardier business jets account for most of US$1.9B orders at Paris Air Show
- Man inspires new form of protest in Turkey simply by standing
- California 'Night Stalker' serial killer Richard Ramirez dies at 53
- Justin Bieber behind wheel as car strikes man in Hollywood; police say no crime
- Miss Utah latest beauty queen to botch answer, elicit cringes across web
- Mystery behind disappearance, death of Teamsters' Jimmy Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years
- China bans individuals from adopting abandoned infants privately
- Italy's high court explains Amanda Knox reversal, says victim died in possible 'erotic game'
- Ex-Playboy Playmate admits helping Canadian boyfriend enter US illegally
- Deck collapse at popular Miami-area sports bar during NBA Finals game sends dozens into water
- Bear whose head had been stuck in a plastic jar for at least 11 days is rescued in central Pa.
- Hungary accuses ex-Canadian citizen, 98, of Nazi-era war crimes against Jews
- Mystery behind disappearance, death of Teamsters' Jimmy Hoffa still fascinates after 40 years
- Boston woman pays $560,000 for 2 parking spots during auction held by IRS
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Soldiers, horses parade through London to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's birthday
- Man recovering in hospital after surviving plunge from 15th floor apartment in New Zealand
- Father of Snowden's girlfriend says he's 'shocked' by news; says daughter is 'holding on'
- Man inspires new form of protest in Turkey simply by standing
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
- Brave woman tried to calm London attackers and reasoned with them before police came
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Mother says Boston suspect now walking; father of Chechen man FBI shot says he was 'executed'
- SC woman who murdered 4 in family brought them together to pray before killings
- Search for survivors of Oklahoma tornado nearly complete, as homeowners confront devastation
- Man shot to death in Fla. while being questioned in Boston Marathon bombing investigation
- 3 veteran storm chasers killed while pursuing storm as it swept into Oklahoma City area
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
- Having a senior moment?
- Rare comic book featuring Superman's debut found in walls of Minn. home sells for $175,000
- Don't like spies? Here are some ideas for keeping your data safe from snoops
- Minnesota man lied about Nazi past
- Books can influence growth of brain
- US woman training for half-marathon discovers runner's pain actually surprise baby girl
- Vietnam court sentences 4 men to prison for arranging 2 illegal voyages for would-be migrants
- Drowning doesn't look like drowning
- Bridge collapse survivor who fell in river: 'You hold on as tight as you can'
- Police: US driver drove drunk while having sex, crashed, hid behind cactus
- Rare comic book featuring debut of Superman found insulating abandoned house in Minnesota
- Uncle Sam is Big Brother
- Phone cracked? Cool
- Driver horrified by scene in rearview mirror after load hits I-5 bridge, road falls into river
- Woman who reported baby in sewer is his mom; was present at rescue
- Beavers attack people in Belarus, fisherman dies of bite wounds after trying to pose for photo
- AP IMPACT: Commander in Nazi SS-led unit linked to atrocities living in Minnesota
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.