LONDON (AP) — Two provocative books about the brain are among six finalists for Britain's leading literary award for nonfiction.

U.S. writer Steve Silberman's autism exploration "Neurotribes" and British journalist Laurence Scott's look at humanity in the cyber-era, "The Four-Dimensional Human," are shortlisted for the 20,000-pound ($31,000) Samuel Johnson Prize.

The other finalists, announced Sunday, are Indian writer Samanth Subramanian's book about Sri Lanka's civil war, "This Divided Island"; Jonathan Bate's poet biography "Ted Hughes: The Unauthorized Life"; Robert Macfarlane's literary nature tour "Landmarks"; and Emma Sky's war memoir "The Unravelling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq."

Named for the 18th-century essayist and lexicographer, the Samuel Johnson Prize recognizes English-language nonfiction books from any country.

The winner will be announced Nov. 2 at a London ceremony.