Millions of readers around the world have the chance to pick their favourite. Votes can be registered on www.themanbookerprize.com or sent by text until July 8.

Biographer Victoria Glendinning, chair of the judges choosing the shortlist, said, "We really feel the six novels we picked represent the best fiction-writing of the past 40 years and that each one of them will stand the test of time."

The overall winner will be announced at the London Literature Festival on July 10.

In this photograph: Salman Rushdie and Amy Mullins

Photograph: Getty Images / Stephen Lovekin