The 10 best Booker prize moments – in pictures

On the eve of this year's award, we recall the best spats and gaffes

• As chosen by William Skidelsky
• The Observer, Saturday 13 October 2012

Bellow’s wandering hands

The American novelist was a judge in 1971, the prize’s third year. Known for his extravagant tastes, Bellow insisted on being put up at the Ritz and complained when his room didn’t overlook Green Park. One of his fellow judges was Antonia Fraser, who later recalled how, in a taxi one night, the great novelist leaned over and said: “Has anyone ever told you you’re a very handsome woman?” Though he fell asleep before she’d replied, the episode confirms – if confirmation were needed – that the late Nobel laureate was NSIT.*
*Not Safe in TaxisPhotograph: Michael Mauney/Getty Images

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