1968, the British book circle proposed to set up a literary prize comparable to the French Gungel Literature Award and the American Pulitzer Prize, and awarded the best English novel of the year. Only original English writers from Britain, Ireland and Commonwealth countries are eligible to be shortlisted for judging, and all American writers with a single American nationality are deprived of the opportunity to resist the encroachment of new forms of entertainment such as television on the literary market. The grand prize is named after the sponsor Booker McConnell, a food supply company. Booker prizes are awarded from 1969.

Booker prize pays attention to authority, orientation and impartiality, and the judges are all people with professional background. There are generally five judges appointed by special committees, namely book critics, scholars, novelists, literary editors and cultural celebrities. Every year, five judges read more than 100 recommended works, select more than 20 short-listed works, then select 6 works from this list to enter the finals, and finally select an award-winning work from these 6 works.

Starting from 20 14, all writers in English all over the world can participate in the Booker Prize. The Booker Prize Foundation decided to expand the scope of Booker Prize to strengthen its benchmark position in English literature. The biggest beneficiary of this rule change is American writers. As the largest branch of English writing, they can finally participate in the Booker Prize competition.