Expand your reading list this spring and summer with some thought-provoking new works! Throughout the past month, our #readingatReading campaign has explored recently published books by University of Reading researchers. In a world overflowing with information (and misinformation), it is more important than ever to turn to deeply researched, carefully written works that offer fresh perspectives on history, politics, language and culture. Here are just a few of the books that captured our imagination.
Children’s Publishing in Cold War France: Hachette in the Age of Surveillance and Control
This fascinating study dives into the world of Cold War France, revealing how children’s publishing became a battleground for ideological control. Dr Sophie Heywood (Department of Languages and Cultures) draws on multilingual archival research to explore how Hachette, France’s major children’s publisher, navigated a climate of censorship, political activism and American cultural influence. Whether challenging the popularity of Tarzan or the translation of American series, such as Nancy Drew and The Famous Five, this book highlights how children’s literature can become a subtle site of resistance and creativity under surveillance.
Recommended!: The Influencers Who Changed How We Read
Long before the age of Instagram book clubs, a small group of literary celebrities transformed Britain’s reading habits. Dr Nicola Wilson (Department of English Literature) uncovers the story of the Book Society (1929–1969) and its influential judges — Hugh Walpole, J. B. Priestley, Sylvia Lynd, Cecil Day-Lewis and Edmund Blunden — who helped shape popular tastes and bring world literature into people’s homes. Recommended! reveals how the mix of personal judgment, social currents and literary passion revolutionised the publishing industry and left a lasting legacy on the bookshelves we know today.
The Edinburgh Companion to Women in Publishing, 1900–2020
Edited by Dr Nicola Wilson, Dr Sophie Heywood, Dr Marrisa Joseph, Professor Daniela La Penna and others, this landmark volume fills a major gap in the history of publishing, highlighting the diverse and often overlooked contributions of women across the twentieth century. Outside the spotlight, editors, translators, illustrators and booksellers all played a vital role in shaping the publishing world. The book reveals the hidden networks and collaborations that have transformed global print cultures. Richly international in scope, the collection bridges generational and geographical divides, offering a vital new perspective on women’s creative labour in publishing.
The Magic Books: A History of Enchantment in 20 Medieval Manuscripts
Magic was not just a curiosity in medieval Europe — it was woven into the fabric of scholarly, religious and political life. In The Magic Books, Professor Anne Lawrence-Mathers (Department of History) leads readers through twenty spectacular illuminated manuscripts that reveal a medieval world hungry for supernatural knowledge. From royal libraries to secret societies, this beautifully illustrated history explores how magic, science and religion coexisted and evolved, leaving an enchanting artistic and intellectual legacy.
Democratic Speech in Divided Times
In an era of polarisation and distrust, Dr Maxime Lepoutre (Department of Politics and International Relations) asks: can democratic speech still bridge social divides? Through a thoughtful blend of political theory and philosophy of language, he argues that even in fractured societies, public discourse, when governed by norms of respect and emotional honesty, can remain a vital force for good. Addressing anger, misinformation and the search for common ground, Democratic Speech in Divided Times offers an inspiring call to reinvigorate democratic dialogue.
United Nations Peacekeeping and the Politics of Authoritarianism
Despite its mission to foster democracy, UN peacekeeping can sometimes enable authoritarianism, argue Dr Sarah von Billerbeck (Department of Politics and International Relations) and her co-authors. Drawing on in-depth case studies from Cambodia to Haiti, they explore how peace operations may inadvertently entrench authoritarian regimes by building state capacity and tolerating undemocratic practices. This timely book challenges assumptions about international interventions and offers new ideas for reforming peacekeeping practice.
Lifespring Stories: The Many Faces of Oxford Road
Often called “The United Nations of Reading”, Oxford Road is home to over 72 languages. Edited by Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles and colleagues from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Lifespring Stories captures the unique ways this community has been shaped by migration, cultural exchange and urban development, featuring voices that are under-represented in traditional research. The stories in the book reflect the daily challenges and triumphs of those who live, work and pass through Oxford Road, illustrating the area’s rich multicultural history and the resilience of its community. From struggles of migration and homelessness to tales of food, language and culture, Lifespring Stories is a powerful reminder of the role storytelling plays in building understanding and fostering social change.
What Are Zoos For?
Are zoos outdated spectacles or vital conservation hubs? In What Are Zoos For?, Dr Walter Veit (Department of Philosophy) and Dr Heather Browning (University of Southampton) explore the ethical, educational and ecological roles of modern zoos. They weigh the criticisms against the evidence and propose how zoos must evolve to prioritise animal welfare over human entertainment. It’s a nuanced and forward-looking reflection on the future of zoos in a rapidly changing world.
Broaden your horizons with #readingatReading
Across these diverse books, one thread unites them: a commitment to deep thinking, rigorous research and the power of ideas to shape how we see the world. Whether exploring children’s books in Cold War France, the politics of democratic speech or the lived histories of a local community, our authors illuminate urgent issues with skill and insight. We hope these books inspire you to expand your horizons – and perhaps challenge a few assumptions along the way. To discover even more, explore our #readingatReading campaign on Bluesky and X.