Diagram



Yep, it’s that time of year when Bent’s Diary in the book trade journal The Bookseller announces the 6 books on the shortlist for the Diagram Prize. As some of you may know it is one of the more unusual literary awards, chosen from submissions by members of the book trade. All genres and styles are allowed, the common theme is that it must be a real publication from that year and it must have the silliest title.



Last year’s winner, as I’m sure you all recall, was Living With Crazy Buttocks (Penguin Press). Other notable past entries have included Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Nude Mice (University of Tokyo Press) and Greek Rural Postmen and Their Cancellation Numbers (Hellenic Philatelic Society).



This year’s shortlist:



277 Secrets Your Snake Wants You to Know (Ten Speed)

The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories (Kensington) - we’ve had this one in our store with its wonderful Russ Meyer’s-style cover and sold them!







Celtic Sex Magic: For Couples, Groups and Solitary Practitioners (Inner Traditions)

Design for Impact: 50 Years of Airline Safety Cards (Princeton Architectural Press)

Hot Topics in Urology (Saunders)

The Voodoo Revenge Book: an Anger Management Program You Can Really Stick With (Sterling). This has been the favourite amongst our booksellers so far.



You can vote for the oddest title of your choice by emailing bent@bookseller.co.uk or at the Bookseller online - closing date is 28th November, winner announced on 5th December.