Reaktion Books

Reaktion Books publishes non-fiction across subjects including art, biography, food history, politics and popular science.

More Info

Quick overview

Its books range from illustrated city guides and critical biographies to studies of individual animals, ingredients and languages.

Explore books on art, artists and monographs, and visual culture.
History subjects include ancient civilisations, dynasties and medieval lives.
Food and drink books cover ingredients, food production and cultural history.
The website offers search and an alphabetical author list.
A book page shows hardback and ebook formats, a sample and contents.

Introduction

Reaktion Books publishes non-fiction books in subjects ranging from art and history to philosophy and popular science. Its books include biographies, illustrated guides and studies of cultural history.

The range also covers food and drink, music, literature, politics and animals. A book page lists both hardback and ebook formats.

What Reaktion Books offers

The publisher offers books on individual people, historical periods and wider cultural subjects.

Product and service categories

Art, architecture and design

Art books include artists and monographs, alongside studies of visual culture. Biographical studies examine the lives and work of artists and architects.

Biography and individual lives

Biographies cover cultural figures, including artists, writers and philosophers. Some studies connect a person's life with an assessment of their major works. Other books explore the lives and legacies of figures from the ancient world. Books about Renaissance figures include artists, intellectuals and scientists.

History and civilisations

History books span general and military history. Studies of ancient civilisations consider their history, art, culture and lasting legacy. Books on dynasties explore their origins, dynamics and power. Medieval subjects include people, concepts and events, drawing on political and social history as well as philosophy and the history of science.

Food, drink and gardens

Food and drink books include histories of individual ingredients and accounts of food production and consumption. Other books examine the industrial food system and proposed alternatives. Garden design is another subject in the range. Books on trees, plants and flowers combine horticultural and botanical writing with an account of their cultural and social impact.

Animals and the world around us

Books on individual animals explore their cultural histories. Studies of phenomena and resources consider their historical significance. These books also draw on representations in art, literature, science, cinema and television. Subjects include mythology, religion and popular culture.

Literature, language and folklore

The range includes literature and literary studies, alongside folklore and myth. Books about languages trace changes in spoken and written forms over time. They also consider the communities and societies associated with those languages. Biographical books include studies of writers and their work.

Music, film and cultural studies

Music books explore genres and traditions through cultural and historical perspectives. Some examine relationships between artists, performers and the places associated with their music. Film is also covered, as are media and cultural studies. Other books explore the connection between language and human experience.

Politics, business and economics

Politics, business and management, and economics each feature among the subjects offered. Books on contemporary issues examine economic, political and cultural conditions. They address both local and international questions. The range also includes studies of social and political history.

Science and philosophy

Popular science and philosophy are part of the range. Books about the cosmos explore historical and contemporary developments as well as future possibilities. Astrophysics and cosmology are covered too. Other books explore the lives and work of philosophers.

Cities, landscapes, sport and leisure

The publisher offers books on cities, locations and landscapes. Illustrated city guides cover a city's past and present. Sports and leisure appear among the book subjects. The range also includes studies of music in relation to place.

Browse the full range on the Reaktion Books website.

More Info

Using the website

The website offers a search function and an author list that can be browsed alphabetically. An account area and basket are also available.

There are blog articles and event information, along with a contact form and a mailing list sign-up. A book page includes a sample, contents and information about the author.

Frequently asked questions

What do the books about individual animals cover?

They explore animals in art, literature, mythology and religion. They also consider evolution, species, behaviour and habitat.

What is included in the city guides?

The guides include a chronological history and essays on aspects of a city, from museums and music to parks and fashion. They also contain contemporary photographs, historical images and listings of sites and venues with author commentary.

Do any food books include recipes?

Books covering individual types of food or drink include key recipes and reference material. They also explore the history and culture of their subjects.

Are the critical biographies illustrated?

The short critical biographies of cultural figures are accompanied by illustrations. They discuss a subject's work in the context of their life.

Does Reaktion Books have a newsletter?

It offers a monthly email newsletter for individuals. The newsletter includes book news and author events.

Can I request an inspection copy?

Lecturers can request desk and exam copies of certain titles when considering books as course texts. The request form asks for details including the educational institution and course title.

Key takeaways

Reaktion Books publishes non-fiction across arts, history, science and other subjects.
Books include biographies, illustrated city guides and histories of animals and ingredients.
A book page lists hardback and ebook formats, with a sample and contents.
The website provides search, an alphabetical author list and book sorting.
A monthly email newsletter and event information are available.

Summary

Reaktion Books offers a wide-ranging non-fiction list, from studies of cultural figures and historical periods to books about food, languages and the cosmos. Its website also provides book information, author browsing and a sample on a book page.

Similar shops to Reaktion Books

Pip Decks SSnazal Box Sets FFitzcarraldo Editions YYale Books

Health Book Store, The PPluto Press PPen and Sword Books TASCHEN

TASCHEN LLets Buy Books CCollins HHatchards

Awesome Books

Ready to shop? See the full range on the Reaktion Books website.

More Info

This guide was written by AI. It does not represent the views or opinions of the website owner.

More Info

Products matching Reaktion Books

Updated November 2026

12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Next

List view Grid view Compact

Unbranded Along Story Books

Unbranded Along Story Books: Carry Along Story Books These Carry Along Story Books come in a set of six and feature exciting stories that are...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Secret Kingdom Series 2 Collection Rosie Banks 6 Books Set

Secret Kingdom Series 2 Collection Rosie Banks 6 Books Set: Enjoy the fantasy world of theÂ Secret Kingdom Series 2 Book Collection\r Features 6 books by Rosie Banks, following...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Creative Books - My Parkcolouring Book

Creative Books - My Parkcolouring Book: Creative Books My Park Colouring Book This Creative Books Colouring Books are a collection of theme based colouring...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Creative Books - My Zoocolouring Book

Creative Books - My Zoocolouring Book: Creative Books My Zoo Colouring Book This Creative Books Colouring Books are a collection of theme based colouring...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Creative Books - My Circuscolouring Book

Creative Books - My Circuscolouring Book: Creative Books My Circus Colouring Book The Creative Books Colouring Books are a collection of theme based colouring...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Creative Books - My Junglecolouring Book

Creative Books - My Junglecolouring Book: Creative Books My Jungle Colouring Book The Creative Books Colouring Books are a collection of theme based colouring...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Books - Igor Kravarick 1500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

Books - Igor Kravarick 1500 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle: Books by Igor Kravarick is a jigsaw puzzle that will be a fun and whimsical addition to your home library. It is a full...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Papermania Paws For Thought Doodle Books 3 Pack

Papermania Paws For Thought Doodle Books 3 Pack: Have fun making notes and drawing doodles with these Papermania Paws for Thought Doodle Books. There are three A6 pads,...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake 12219 A4 Display Books. 24 Pocket. Pack Of 10

Snopake 12219 A4 Display Books. 24 Pocket. Pack Of 10: Display-Books-Snopake-12219-With-tough-wipe-clean-covers-these-display-books-come-with-100-copy-safe-clear-pockets-Snopa...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake Lite (a4) 20-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (...

Snopake Lite (a4) 20-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (assorted Colours) Pack Of 12 Display Books: Snopake Lite (A4) 20-Pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (Assorted Colours) Pack of 12 Display...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake Lite (a4) 40-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (...

Snopake Lite (a4) 40-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (assorted Colours) Pack Of 12 Display Books: Snopake Lite (A4) 40-Pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (Assorted Colours) Pack of 12 Display...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake Lite (a4) 20-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (...

Snopake Lite (a4) 20-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (clear) Pack Of 12 Display Books: Snopake Lite (A4) 20-Pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (Clear) Pack of 12 Display...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake Lite (a4) 20-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Snopake Lite (a4) 40-pocket Durable Polypropylene Display Books (...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info

Mega Value A5 Spiral Bound Note Books

Mega Value A5 Spiral Bound Note Books: A5 Spiral Bound Note Books Keep all your notes in these A5 Spiral Bound Note Books with durable plastic covers in an...

Buy Now Check Stock Reviews Click For Info