The shortlist has been announced for Britain’s leading nonfiction book prize; the subjects range from William Shakespeare to the Beatles and includes titles by two Canadian authors.

They also cover the lure of Mount Everest and life inside one of the world’s most secretive states.

Those nominated are:

Craig Brown (UK), “One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time.”

Wade Davis (Canada), “Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory and the Conquest of Everest.”

Barbara Demick (US), “Nothing to Envy: Real Lives in North Korea.”

Patrick Radden Keefe (US), “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” (Picador) – 2021

Margaret Macmillan (Canada) “Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed The World (formerly Peacemakers: Six Months That Changed The World).”

James Shapiro (US), “1599: A Year in the Life of William Shakespeare.”

They are competing for the Baillie Gifford Prize which is marking its 25th year with a 25,000 Pound Sterling cash award.

The six short listed authors have all previously won the prize.

The winner will be announced April 27th