M John Harrison becomes first science fiction author to win the Booker prize

M John Harrison, 81, has won the Booker Prize for his postapocalyptic novel *The End of Everything*, becoming both the oldest winner in the award's history and the first author to emerge from the science fiction genre to claim the prize. The unanimous decision by judges recognized Harrison's six-decade career and his 198-page novel set on a near-future Kent coast, which explores humanity's response to an incomprehensible disaster. Harrison receives £50,000 and the trophy, surpassing Margaret Atwood's previous record as the oldest winner at age 79.