When did the BBC launch The Big Read survey?
The BBC launched The Big Read in 2003 to determine the nation's best-loved novel through a public vote. This year-long survey became the biggest single test of public reading taste to date.
Questions about The Big Read
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which book won first place in The Big Read final tally?
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings won first place in the final tally. J.K. Rowling dominated the top twenty-five with multiple entries including Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
How many votes were received during The Big Read campaign?
Over three-quarters of a million votes were received from the British public during the campaign. These submissions came through web portals, text messages, and traditional telephone calls.
Who had the highest number of appearances on the final Top 200 list for The Big Read?
Terry Pratchett achieved the highest number of appearances on the final Top 200 list with fifteen books. Jacqueline Wilson followed closely behind with fourteen titles included in the survey results.
What countries conducted similar literary surveys after The Big Read?
Similar literary surveys were subsequently conducted in Australia, Germany, Hungary, Bulgaria, Latvia, and the United States. My Favourite Book appeared in Australia while Das große Lesen took place in Germany.