M. John Harrison makes Booker Prize history at 81
At 81, M. John Harrison has become the oldest recipient of the prestigious Booker Prize, earning the literary honor for his novel ‘The End of Everything.’
British author M. John Harrison has become the oldest winner of the Booker Prize after taking home the 2026 award for his novel The End of Everything.
The 81-year-old writer received the prestigious literary honor during the Booker Prize ceremony, where he admitted he never expected to win.
“I really didn’t expect to be up here,” Harrison said in his acceptance speech.
His victory marks a historic milestone for the Booker Prize, making him the oldest author ever to receive the award.
'THE End of Everything.'
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF BOOKER PRIZE
M.JOHN Harrison, author of ‘The End of Everything.’
SCREENGRAB FROM IG/BOOKER PRIZE
Widely regarded as one of Britain’s most influential speculative fiction writers, Harrison has built a career spanning more than five decades. The End of Everything earned praise from judges for its literary depth and storytelling, securing this year’s top prize.
The Booker Prize is one of the world’s most prestigious literary awards, recognizing the finest works of fiction written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Harrison’s win adds another milestone to a career that has long shaped contemporary science fiction and fantasy literature, proving that literary achievement knows no age.