Thatcher, bumblebee books up for nonfiction prize

Books about Margaret Thatcher, Roman Britain and bumblebees are among finalists for Britain's leading nonfiction book prize.
Charles Moore's "Margaret Thatcher: The Authorized Biography," Charlotte Higgins' portrait of ancient Britain, "Under Another Sky," and "A Sting in the Tale" by bee conservationist Dave Goulson are on the shortlist for the Samuel Johnson Prize.
The other contenders, announced today, are "Empires of the Dead," a history of World War I cemeteries by David Crane; William Dalrymple's 19th-century Afghan saga "Return of the King"; and "The Pike," a biography of Italian fascist Gabriele D'Annunzio by Lucy Hughes-Hallett.
The USD 32,000 prize recognizes English-language books from any country in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts.

The winner will be announced November 4.