How Late It Was, How Late may have divided critics – and judges – but it remains one of the most influential Booker winners and raised prescient questions about decolonisation and self-determination
James Kelman
- Born
James Kelman was born in Glasgow. His novel How Late It Was, How Late won the Booker Prize 1994
After leaving school at 15 Kelman worked in the printing industry and as a bus driver. In 1971 he attended creative writing night classes and in 1973 an American company published his first collection of short stories, An Old Pub Near the Angel. His novel Greyhound or Breakfast won the 1987 Cheltenham Prize; A Disaffection won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize 1989 and Translated Accounts was longlisted for the Booker Prize 2001. He has also written many plays for stage and radio.
James Kelman was also shortlisted for The Man Booker International Prize in 2009 and 2011.
Watch his winning moment
How Late It Was, How Late
Winner of The Booker Prize 1994
- By
- James Kelman
- Published by
- Secker & Warburg
James Kelman’s raw, wry vision of human survival in a bureaucratic world is given voice by Sammy, an ex-convict with a penchant for shoplifting
Other nominated books
James Kelman offers us a harrowing glimpse into a realm where power is unchecked and liberties are few or nonexistent
James Kelman’s brilliant and complex character study tells the story of one week in a man's life, in which he decides to change the way he lives
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