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10 Best Books About Politics UK 2024

George Orwell famously stated, "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind". Indeed, it can be tricky to navigate the world of politics, but it affects almost every element of our daily lives, so buying a book on the subject is a great place to start.


That's why we've compiled a list of the ten best books about politics you can buy online this year, including nonfiction tomes on British and world politics, government analysis, political economics and history, and guides for complete beginners. Rated according to subject area and value for money, we've also written a buying guide helping you choose.

Last updated 26/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Book About Politics - Buying Guide

If you want to buy a book on politics but aren't sure where to start, consider a few basic factors such as the part of the world you're interested in and also the style of book you enjoy reading best. Below we've divided 'politics books' into some more specific categories, making shopping for them much easier!

1

Global or National Politics? First Decide the Political Scale You Want to Focus On

Global or National Politics? First Decide the Political Scale You Want to Focus On

First of all, think about whether you'd like to read about the politics of Britain and the United Kingdom, or to learn about political systems on a more global scale


For a more general guide to the way politics functions globally, choose a book that encompasses international issues and wider history of the world's social and economical development. 

2

Get Specific: Look for Books on Race, Gender and Social Issues to Broaden Your Interests and Understanding

Get Specific: Look for Books on Race, Gender and Social Issues to Broaden Your Interests and Understanding

If you're wondering where to start when it comes to a theme, you may like to consider a book that focuses closely on one particular area of politics, such as poverty, gender inequality or institutionalised racism, particularly if you already have an interest in the topic or it resonates with you. 


There are some fantastic recent releases which are hugely informative on specific areas and heavily entrenched in the politics of our country and the world, however, beginners could also try a book on general politics to help them discover which themes spark an interest. 

3

The Book Itself: Consider Type and Layout According to How You Learn

It's also worth thinking about the book itself, all the way from its spine and how it feels in your hand, to the layout of information and the way points are illustrated. You may also prefer to take information in through varied means, for example on a Kindle or as an audiobook.

What Type of Book Is It? Paperbacks Are Handy, Hardbacks Work as Gifts or Reference Books

What Type of Book Is It? Paperbacks Are Handy, Hardbacks Work as Gifts or Reference Books

Some books a best enjoyed as paperbacks, whereas for others a hardback works well. Apart from the obvious difference in price, it's also worth considering where you'll read your book and what you are reading it for. 


Something to throw into your bag for the commute or your daily stroll? A lightweight paperback obviously suits.


A gift, a coffee table staple or a tome to study at your desk? Hardcovers are durable and beautiful. Large illustrated guides also work well as hardbacks because they often open out flat. 

Choose an eBook for More Shelf Space or an Audiobook If You're Pushed for Time

Choose an eBook for More Shelf Space or an Audiobook If You're Pushed for Time

Alternatively, check out whether your book is available to be downloaded to your Kindle or other eReader if you're a minimalist who prefers not to have shelves (or a bag) filled with books.


Likewise, if you find it hard to concentrate on reading, an audiobook version may also be available and means you can multitask!

Illustrated Books Suit Visual Learners Who Want Easy-to-Digest Information

Illustrated Books Suit Visual Learners Who Want Easy-to-Digest Information

Consider buying a book about politics with illustrations if you are a visual learner and want a simple way to help you retain facts better. Some books are text only, which is great if you're looking for a good read, but others have photographs which can help flesh out your understanding of an event or person. 


You can also look out for politics books featuring information tables and infographics. These can be particularly helpful if you want information to stick in your mind, for example if you're taking an exam or giving a presentation and need to know your stuff. 

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Top 10 Best Books About Politics in the UK

Without further fuss, let's now move on to the ten most interesting, informative and best-value politics books we've found that you can buy online this year. We're convinced after browsing our selection you'll discover a few that catch your eye, and hopefully make it onto your bookshelf too!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

DK

The Politics Book

DK The Politics Book 1

£18.99

High

An Accessible Guide to Government

2

Anthony Wright

A Very Short Introduction to British Politics

Anthony Wright A Very Short Introduction to British Politics  1

£5.99

Low

Pocket Sized Breakdown of Politics in Britain

3

Tim Marshall

Prisoners of Geography

Tim Marshall Prisoners of Geography 1

£8.19

Mid

Global Politics Through a Collection of Maps

4

Yanis Varoufakis

Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism

Yanis Varoufakis  Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism 1

£7.37

Low Mid

A Must-Read to Get Your Head Around Capitalism

5

Darren McGarvey

Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass

Darren McGarvey Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass 1

£6.99

Low Mid

A Razor-Sharp Perspective on Poverty and a Plea for Change

6

Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson

Why Nations Fail

Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson Why Nations Fail 1

£10.32

High Mid

An Investigation of How Institutions Hinder Power and Prosperity

7

Reni Eddo-Lodge

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

Reni Eddo-Lodge Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race 1

£12.99

High Mid

An Essential Guide to Race Relations in the UK

8

Owen Jones

The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It

Owen Jones The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It 1

£8.86

Mid

A Bestselling Investigation of Power

9

Isabelle Criado Perez

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Isabelle Criado Perez Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 1

£8.49

Mid

A Data-Driven Peek at Gender Inequality

10

Isabel Hardman

Why We Get the Wrong Politicians

Isabel Hardman Why We Get the Wrong Politicians 1

£6.99

Low Mid

An Award-Winning Glimpse Into the Pitfalls of Life as an MP

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No.1

DKThe Politics Book

The Politics Book 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£18.99
High
Reference price
£18.99
High

An Accessible Guide to Government

We like this all-encompassing guide to politics because of its straightforward approach, its clear photographs, infographics and diagrams and the broad perspective it takes on politics throughout history and across the world.


The use of direct language paired with visually appealing illustrations makes it fantastic for younger learners or those at the beginning of their journey into the political realm. A top tome to keep on your shelf or coffee table and whip out for reference whenever you need it!

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No.2

Anthony WrightA Very Short Introduction to British Politics

A Very Short Introduction to British Politics  1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.99
Low
Reference price
£5.99
Low

Pocket Sized Breakdown of Politics in Britain

The 'Very Short Introduction to...' series is popular for good reason. They are much more than bullet point guides, but rather carefully researched essays exploring a particular subject.


This book takes glimpses at the legacy of Winston Churchill, the rise of the Labour Party and subsequently New Labour, and the British constitution as a whole. A perfect pocket guide to help you brush up on your basics

No.3

Tim MarshallPrisoners of Geography

Prisoners of Geography 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.19
Mid
Reference price
£8.19
Mid

Global Politics Through a Collection of Maps

For a broad perspective on global politics this book is an excellent read. With chapters that drive us across borders and sail us through international waters from Russia to Korea, flying over India and Pakistan to Latin America via the Arctic, this tome maps geopolitics clearly and boldly.


The map images themselves don't play quite as vital a role as the title suggests, but the information-packed pages do create a clear picture of international relations through recent history to the present day.

No.4

Yanis Varoufakis Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism

Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£7.37
Low Mid
Reference price
£7.37
Low Mid

A Must-Read to Get Your Head Around Capitalism

Written by Greece's former finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, with the aim of making capitalism – and thus the economic element of politics – accessible to his teenage daughter, this book is eye-opening and fun.


Making comparisons between our current capitalist system and 90s cult film The Matrix, as well as using the trade of tea bags and cigarettes in a World War Two prisoner of war camp to explain currency, this book makes understanding economics easy and digestible

No.5

Darren McGarveyPoverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass

Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid

A Razor-Sharp Perspective on Poverty and a Plea for Change

This book is topping many to-read lists this year because of its brutal and frank account of life in Britain on, or just below, the poverty line. It won the 2018 Orwell Prize for political thinking, too. 


Written by the Glaswegian rapper Loki, the book examines the myriad effects poverty can have on the human experience, from mental attitudes to physical health and includes critiques of identity politics, intersectionality and the 'poverty industry'. Heartfelt, perspective-shifting reading. 

No.6

Daron Acemoglu & James A. RobinsonWhy Nations Fail

Why Nations Fail 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.32
High Mid
Reference price
£10.32
High Mid

An Investigation of How Institutions Hinder Power and Prosperity

This guide has been written over a period of 15 years, building on a body of research to create a stunning picture of the huge inequality between developing and more developed countries worldwide. It is written by two highly intellectual and deeply respected professors, one specialising in economics and the other in political science.


This book is essential reading, covering China's rise to power, the unfathomable prosperity gap between two towns either side of the Mexican/US border, and alluding to hopes for a radical shift in thinking to make institutions more inclusive and fair. 

No.7

Reni Eddo-LodgeWhy I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.99
High Mid
Reference price
£12.99
High Mid

An Essential Guide to Race Relations in the UK

This book is an absolute must-read. It's extremely quick and easy to get through, and packed with information on the current state of race relations in Britain today from a black writer's perspective. 


With chapters on institutionalised racism in the police service, to the uproar when J.K. Rowling cast a black actor to play Hermione in the stage version of the Cursed Child, Reni Eddo-Lodge gives countless examples of how white privilege envelops our worlds so thoroughly that it is rarely noticed or acknowledged by those who benefit from it. A brief, life-changing book.

No.8

Owen JonesThe Establishment: And How They Get Away With It

The Establishment: And How They Get Away With It 1
Source:ebay.co.uk
Reference price
£8.86
Mid
Reference price
£8.86
Mid

A Bestselling Investigation of Power

Guardian journalist and writer Owen Jones became a household name after the release of his bestselling book The Establishment, which is a scathing and at times shocking exposé of the institutions we trust to guide us, such as the BBC, the government itself and even the police.


In his revelatory book on the corruption hidden in plain sight across Britain's social and political landscape, Jones states: "Change is not won through the goodwill and generosity of those above, but through the struggle and sacrifice of those below", and leaves the reader hungry for change. 

No.9

Isabelle Criado PerezInvisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.49
Mid
Reference price
£8.49
Mid

A Data-Driven Peek at Gender Inequality

This book took its cue from the 2017 revelation that the BBC was paying women far less than their male counterparts. Author Caroline Criado Perez has now compiled a veritable dossier of other imbalances, supported by statistics which prove gender inequality permeates our lives


A quick, easy read, this handy paperback is jammed full of fascinating (and largely worrying) tidbits of data which function alone as ways to shut down anti-feminist arguments and as a whole to build a picture of the areas society must work on to improve women's rights and quality of life.

No.10

Isabel HardmanWhy We Get the Wrong Politicians

Why We Get the Wrong Politicians 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£6.99
Low Mid

An Award-Winning Glimpse Into the Pitfalls of Life as an MP

This book has been nominated for a number of prizes including the 2018 Parliamentary Book Awards (which it won), Waterstone's Book of the Year 2018 and the Orwell Prize 2019. 


Though its title alludes to the general sense of disapproval many feel for MPs in the current climate, this book actually looks closely at the stresses and strains of the role, defending and even admiring the extremely high-pressured, and often low-reward, job of representing everyday people in a parliament designed to discourage progression and change. 

In Search of More Additions to Your Bookshelf? We're Here to Help!

In Search of More Additions to Your Bookshelf? We're Here to Help!

On the hunt for more interesting reads or hoping to teach yourself something new? We have some cool articles recommending the ten best examples of various book, so whether you're hoping to learn a new language or want a novel to devour on the sofa, our suggestions are a rollercoaster-read through fantasy, fiction and fact. 

Summary

We hope you've found our guide to buying a book on politics useful and informative, and that somewhere among our choices you'll spot something that's right for you. Whether it's geopolitical theory or the history of politics in the UK, we're pretty sure there are ideas on our list that suit everyone. 


Author: Annie Hopkins

Top 5 Books About Politics

No. 1: DKThe Politics Book

No. 2: Anthony WrightA Very Short Introduction to British Politics

No. 3: Tim MarshallPrisoners of Geography

No. 4: Yanis Varoufakis Talking to My Daughter: A Brief History of Capitalism

No. 5: Darren McGarveyPoverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass

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