Shakespeare biography leads James Tait Black prize shortlist

James Shapiro’s 1606 gets nod for venerable honour alongside books by David Hare, Ruth Scurr and Sarah Knights

James Shapiro’s exploration of a year in the life of Shakespeare has been shortlisted for the UK’s oldest book prize, just days before the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death on 23 April.

Related: Shakespeare's last act: a torrent of twisted fantasies

Related: 1606: William Shakespeare and the Year of Lear by James Shapiro review – a fraught political and cultural moment

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