First Chapter Series, Booker Prize

Scope and Content

Individually numbered volumes containing the first chapter of one of seven Booker Prize winning novels, each signed by the author and featuring specially chosen artwork. The volumes have each been hand bound in cloth, in a colour close to that of the original cover design.

The volumes include the first chapter of the following Booker Prize winning novels:

'Life and Times of Michael K' by J. M. Coetzee, featuring specially commissioned original artwork by South African artist, Colbert Mashile.

'Disgrace' by J. M. Coetzee, featuring a print by South African artist Jo Ractliffe.

'Holiday' by Stanley Middleton, featuring a watercolour painted by the author himself.

'The Conservationist' by Nadine Gordimer, featuring three copper plate etchings by South African artist Cyril Coetzee.

'Sacred Hunger' by Barry Unsworth, featuring woodcut illustrations specially commissioned from artist Ezequiel Mabote.

'The Blind Assassin' by Margaret Atwood, featuring a drawing by Yoko Ono.

'The Line of Beauty' by Alan Hollinghurst, featuring a print by the Turner Prize winning artists Gilbert & George.

'Possession' by A.S. Byatt, featuring a print by artist David Royle.

Administrative / Biographical History

Oak Tree Fine Press, established in 2005, is a privately owned publishing company based in Oxfordshire that specializes in producing high quality books, featuring work by the world’s greatest authors and artists. All profits from the sale of the books go to organisations assisting children living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS.

The First Chapter Series was launched in April 2006 as an initiative of Nobel laureate and Booker Prize winner J. M. Coetzee. The series is comprised of contributions by authors of the first chapter of their Booker Prize winning novels, with each book being published as a limited signed edition with specially commissioned original artwork.

Access Information

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Applicants are bound by the Reading Room regulations .

The Reading Room is open between 1pm and 5pm, Monday to Friday, during the University semesters (dates available here ) and researchers can visit by prior appointment outside these times; Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. Please email us to arrange a visit or if you have any queries: libraryenquiries@brookes.ac.uk

Acquisition Information

Donated by Oak Tree Fine Press