David Crane on the Samuel Johnson shortlist

DAVID CRANE'S EMPIRES OF THE DEAD: HOW ONE MAN'S VISION LED TO THE CREATION OF WWI'S WAR GRAVES HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2013 SAMUEL JOHNSON PRIZE.

Now in its 15th year, the Samuel Johnson Prize is the most prestigious non-fiction award in the UK. It seeks to recognise and reward the best of all non-fiction books in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts.

Empires of the Dead is an extraordinary and profoundly moving account of the creation of the great cemeteries of the First World War. It is published by William Collins on the 7^th November. The Samuel Johnson winner is announced on the 4th November.