For the Samuel Johnson Prize, she beat out other finalists including 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. "Empires of the Dead," a history of World War I cemeteries by David Crane, and William Dalrymple's 19th-century Afghan saga "Return of the King" also were on the shortlist.
Rees noted that the strength and variety of the other shortlisted works had given the judges a difficult task.
The Samuel Johnson Prize recognizes English-language books from any country in the areas of current affairs, history, politics, science, sport, travel, biography, autobiography and the arts.
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Online: www.thesamueljohnsonprize.co.uk