Publishers: Reaktion Books

About this publisher’s catalog

This catalog offers a thoughtful mix of nonfiction works that explore cultural history, social customs, and influential figures through detailed narratives. Readers can expect a blend of historical perspectives with insights into nature, psychology, and social phenomena. The range is broad, so browsing by thematic clusters can help navigate the variety.

What you’ll often find

  • In-depth explorations of social and cultural histories, including traditions and everyday practices.
  • Biographical accounts of notable figures from literature, psychology, and social sciences.
  • Studies of specific historical phenomena such as organized crime, maritime life, and military groups.
  • Natural history and environmental topics focusing on ecosystems and geological features.
  • Analyses of cultural rituals, holidays, and regional identities.
  • Intersections of science, technology, and society, especially in psychological and military contexts.
  • Essays on crafts, food history, and the social significance of material culture.

How to browse this shelf

  • Begin by selecting topics that align with historical periods or cultural themes.
  • Look for biographies to gain personal perspectives on influential thinkers and cultural figures.
  • Explore works centered on social customs and traditions for insights into everyday life across regions.
  • Try natural science and environmental studies for a change of pace from human-centered narratives.
  • Use thematic groupings such as crime history, military studies, or folklore to narrow your search.
  • Separate nonfiction explorations of culture and history from more scientific or technical analyses.
  • Consider browsing by the social or political context to understand broader societal impacts.

Good fit if you like

  • Reading detailed, narrative-driven nonfiction with a focus on cultural and social history.
  • Exploring the lives and ideas of historical and intellectual figures.
  • Learning about the intersection of human activity and natural environments.
  • Engaging with thoughtful examinations of traditions, rituals, and material culture.
  • Delving into complex social phenomena such as crime, conflict, and political movements.
  • Preferring books that blend scholarly insight with accessible storytelling.

Generated from the books currently available in this catalog.

  • The First Russian Revolution The Decembrist Revolt of 1825 — Susanna Rabow-Edling

    The First Russian Revolution The Decembrist Revolt of 1825 — Susanna Rabow-Edling

  • Photography and Tibet — Clare Harris

    Photography and Tibet — Clare Harris

  • Sugar A Global History — Andrew F. Smith

    Sugar A Global History — Andrew F. Smith

  • Francis Bacon and the Loss of Self — Ernst van Alphen

    Francis Bacon and the Loss of Self — Ernst van Alphen

  • Alone Reflections on Solitary Living — Daniel Schreiber

    Alone Reflections on Solitary Living — Daniel Schreiber

  • Backward Glances Cruising the Queer Streets of New York and London — Mark W. Turner

    Backward Glances Cruising the Queer Streets of New York and London — Mark W. Turner

  • Charles Bukowski — David Stephen Calonne

    Charles Bukowski — David Stephen Calonne

  • Tiger — Susie Green

    Tiger — Susie Green

  • Meteorite Nature and Culture — Maria Golia

    Meteorite Nature and Culture — Maria Golia

  • Out of the Depths A History of Shipwrecks — Alan G. Jamieson

    Out of the Depths A History of Shipwrecks — Alan G. Jamieson

  • Frank Lloyd Wright — Robert McCarter

    Frank Lloyd Wright — Robert McCarter

  • Enchanted Forests The Poetic Construction of a World Before Time — Boria Sax

    Enchanted Forests The Poetic Construction of a World Before Time — Boria Sax

  • Eyewitnessing : The Uses of Images in Historical Writing — Peter Burke

    Eyewitnessing : The Uses of Images in Historical Writing — Peter Burke

  • Piero Di Cosimo Eccentricity and Delight — Sarah Blake McHam

    Piero Di Cosimo Eccentricity and Delight — Sarah Blake McHam

  • Power on the Inside A Global History of Prison Gangs — Mitchel P. Roth

    Power on the Inside A Global History of Prison Gangs — Mitchel P. Roth

  • Savoir-Faire A History of Food in France — Maryann Tebben

    Savoir-Faire A History of Food in France — Maryann Tebben

  • Disgrace Global Reflections on Sexual Violence — Joanna Bourke

    Disgrace Global Reflections on Sexual Violence — Joanna Bourke