US author Paul Auster tops the shortlist for Britain's prestigious Man Booker Prize published Wednesday, one of six books that organisers said "collectively push against the borders of convention".

The 70-year-old, nominated for "4321", is up against two other Americans -- short story writer George Saunders, for his first full-length novel "Lincoln in the Bardo", and debut writer Emily Fridlund with "History of Wolves".

British author Ali Smith makes the shortlist for the fourth time with "Autumn", while British-Pakistani writer Mohsin Hamid makes his second appearance with "Exit West".

Briton Fiona Mozley, 29, is the youngest nominee with her first book, "Elmet".

source: AFP