With the coalition likely to inflict cuts on the BBC, the British Council and the Arts Council, literary prizes become ever more important, says Robert McCrum
After polling disarray to rival the coming of the ConDems, the collective has opted to stick with the original shortlist. Time to actually do some reading!
Ben Williams: Since it's clearly based on autobiographical events, some have asked whether In a Strange Room is really a novel at all. But like all good fiction what it offers is writer's truth
Sam Jordison: Fast becoming a pivotal event in the literary calendar, this is the coveted honour decided by readers of the Guardian books blog. It's time to do your jury service