Brit book prize goes to Grisham

John Grisham, the bestselling author of legal thrillers including “The Pelican Brief,” won his first major U.K. literary honor, capturing a lifetime achievement prize Wednesday at the Galaxy British Book Awards.

Other authors feted during a lavish televised dinner held in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel included Richard Dawkins, the scientist-academic who railed against religion in “The God Delusion,” and comedian Ricky Gervais, star and co-creator of the British television series “The Office.”

The British Book Awards are touted as the U.K. publishing industry’s answer to the Oscars. Now in their 18th year, they are based on votes from both the Academy of the British Book Industry, made up of publishers, booksellers and past winners, and from the public.