The contenders in tonight's semi-final are: Chantal Thompson (trainee solicitor) Life and career of Montrose 1612-50; Hamish Cameron (computer manager) Life and times of Edward IV; Ian Mallinson (retired schoolmaster) Life and reign of Akbar 1542-1605; Hilary Forrest (teacher) Archaeology of Wessex 2500 BC-AD 43. With Magnus Magnusson from Whitworth Hall at the University of Manchester.