The British Academy has announced the shortlist for its 2005 book prize.
The books are: The Stories of English by David Crystal; A Life of H. L. A. Hart: The Nightmare and the Noble Dream by Nicola Lacey; A Bitter Revolution: China's Struggle with the Modern World by Rana Mitter; The Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain, 1649-1815 by N. A. M. Rodger; The Company of Strangers: A Natural History of Economic Life by Paul Seabright; and Myths of Rome by Peter Wiseman.
The winner will be announced on December 12.