Six reach Royal Society shortlist

Katie Allen in The Bookseller - 24.08.10

Titles about ice, the Medieval era and Einstein's most famous equation have made it through to the shortlist stages for the Royal Society Prize for Science Books.

William Hill has singled out God's Philosophers by James Hannah (Icon) as the 3/1 favourite, followed by We Need To Talk About Kelvin by Marcus Chown (Faber), Why Does E=mc2? by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw (Da Capo Press, Perseus Books Group) and Everyday Practice of Science by Frederick Grinnell (Oxford University Press), all at 4/1.

A World Without Ice by Henry Pollack (Avery Books) and Life Ascending by Nick Lane (Profile) are both listed at 5/1.

Maggie Philbin, chair of the judges said: "This year's shortlist is accessible, relevant and well written, and showcases the very best of this year's science writing. It's never been more important to have a well informed picture of the world we live in and the role of science and technology."

The winner will be announced at an event at the Royal Society on Tuesday 21st October and the winning author will receive £10,000. The shortlisted authors each receive £1,000.