The judges considered 151 books, which were whittled down to 13 on the longlist, six on the shortlist, and tonight there will be just one book left, one winner. The six shortlisted authors are all here tonight they include two former winners of the prize sir Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood. And all of them are now waiting to find out if they have won, and if theyll be taking home the £50,000 cheque that goes with winning. To help guide us through the proceedings, im delighted to say were joined by the author and journalist Daisy Buchanan and nic bottomley, owner of mr bs book shop in bath, and president of the Booksellers Association which represents book shops in the uk and ireland. Thank you both for being here. Not long now, plenty to discuss. But before we chat, lets have a look at this years shortlist. You lionesses six of the best books of the year are competing for the booker prize. Margaret atwoods testa m e nts booker prize. Margaret atwoods testaments is the sequel to the