BOOK publisher Bloomsbury hailed “resilient” second half trading – as it toasted the success of this week’s Man Booker Prize for Howard Jacobson novel The Finkler Question.

Bloomsbury said the win was helping the book gain increasing worldwide fame. It also reported improved sales of Eat, Love and Pray by Elizabeth Gilbert following the release of the film version starring Julia Roberts.

The group outlined a strong second half line-up that it expects will help offset a 48% fall in profits during the first six months.

Next month’s relaunch of the Harry Potter series to tie in with the movie of the final book is expected to drive sales along with a strong programme for its professional titles.