Sociology Books

Explore the depths of human society and social behaviour in our extensive Sociology section. From theories and structures, to issues of globalisation and inequality, our selection offers insightful reads for both casual learners and seasoned sociologists. Delve into pivotal works that examine the narratives shaping our societies today.

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The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled Into the Spotlight and Made History

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If you've ever wondered how American fashion took the spotlight, "The Battle of Versailles" offers a front-row seat to the pivotal moment when underdogs from the U.S. shattered expectations. It's a thrilling narrative that intertwines glamour, bold personalities, and societal shifts—all through the lens of an iconic fashion showdown. This book isn't just a tell-all about a unique event; it's a cornerstone story about culture-shifting courage in design.
Why We Kneel, How We Rise
Usain Bolt, Michael Holding, Ed Hawkins  | Simon & Schuster Uk

Why We Kneel, How We Rise

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Goodreads rating: 4.47

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64% off est. retail

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Michael Holding's insights into racism interwoven with personal accounts from world-class athletes make this an eye-opener. It's not just about the challenges; it also offers a pathway toward understanding and societal transformation through sports. This book is a strong call to action for anyone ready to confront societal injustices and learn through the lens of athletics.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

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"Sapiens" isn't just another history book; it's a thought-provoking exploration of human kind, our achievements, and our trajectory. It compels us to question our role in the world and the future we're crafting. The way Yuval Noah Harari intertwines science and history offers a fresh perspective on our species' past, making you ponder deeply about what it means to be human, and what lies ahead for us.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Bill Bryson | Doubleday

At Home: A Short History of Private Life

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Goodreads rating: 3.98

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"At Home" is an entertaining and illuminating journey into the history of everyday life, from the comfort of one's own home. Through the lens of his old rectory in Norfolk, author Bill Bryson explores the origins of architecture, electricity, food preservation, epidemics, and more. His research is extensive and his storytelling is witty, ensuring that readers will not only learn something new, but also be thoroughly entertained.
The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-2011
Misha Glenny | Penguin Books

The Balkans: Nationalism, War, and the Great Powers, 1804-2011

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Goodreads rating: 4.13

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If you're looking to deepen your understanding of a region that has been a crucible of historical conflicts, "The Balkans" by Misha Glenny is a must-read. Glenny's expertise as a BBC correspondent shines through in his detailed exploration of the complex interplay between nationalism and power in Southeast Europe. You'll find his narrative both enlightening and thought-provoking as it unravels the tangled past that shapes the present and future of this fascinating part of the world.
The Fifties - Thryft
David Halberstam | Ballantine Books

The Fifties

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Goodreads rating: 4.27

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If you're curious about the undercurrents that shaped modern America, "The Fifties" is a treasure trove just for you. David Halberstam masterfully connects the dots between the decade's tranquil facade and its profound societal shifts. You'll emerge from this book with a profound understanding of the events and personalities that laid the groundwork for the country you know today.
True Singapore Ghost Stories: Book 6
Russell Lee | Angsana Books

True Singapore Ghost Stories: Book 6

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Goodreads rating: 4.08

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If the unknown intrigues you and you're drawn to chilling encounters with the supernatural, "True Singapore Ghost Stories: Book 6" would be an enthralling read. Russell Lee dives deep into Singapore's history marred by strife and war, unearthing ghost stories that not only thrill but also invite reflections on a past that shadows the present. The book's gripping narratives are bound to keep you pondering long after the last page is turned.
Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America - Thryft
James Schouler | Heritage Books, Inc

Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America

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Goodreads rating: 2.6

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If you're intrigued by the vivid tapestry of history, "Americans of 1776" is a must-read. James Schouler’s detailed account brings the era to life, far beyond the battlefields—right into the homes and daily rituals of early Americans. It's like a time machine that gives you a front-row seat to the birth of a nation, outfitting you not just with facts, but with the feel of the period.
100 Essays From Time
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Don Knefel | Allyn & Bacon

100 Essays From Time

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Goodreads rating: 2.5

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This book is an excellent resource for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of major events that have shaped our world. The essays in this book are written by well-respected journalists and provide unique perspectives on topics such as politics, social issues, and cultural trends. Overall, this book is a great read for anyone interested in history, politics, and current events.
The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World
Larry Zuckerman | North Point Press

The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World

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Goodreads rating: 3.61

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69% off est. retail

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If you're fascinated by how something as unassuming as the potato could revolutionize the world, this book is a treat. Larry Zuckerman peels back the layers of history to reveal the potato's surprising and multifaceted role in shaping our past. It's a narrative that's rich with detail yet digestible, perfect for anyone interested in food history or the underappreciated catalysts of societal change.
Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning - The Great War in European Cultural History - Thryft

Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning - The Great War in European Cultural History

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If you're a history enthusiast curious about the cultural aftermath of World War I, "Sites Of Memory, Sites Of Mourning" offers a profound exploration of sorrow and remembrance across Europe. Jay Winter delves into art, literature, and commemoration, providing insights that challenge the conventional narratives around the Great War. It's particularly enlightening for those interested in the interplay between history and memory.
Everyday Life in the Ancient World: The Illustrated History Encyclopedia: Exploring How People Lived and Worked Through the Ages

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This book is a great resource for history enthusiasts and students who want to learn about how people lived and worked in ancient times. The unique feature of this book is its use of illustrations and images to bring historical settings and characters to life. It covers a wide range of topics, from daily life and social structure to food and farming practices, and offers a comprehensive understanding of the culture and traditions of ancient civilizations.
The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction
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If you're curious about how America navigated through one of its toughest economic times, this book distills the complexities of the Great Depression and the New Deal into something concise and digestible. Eric Rauchway does an impressive job at making a dense subject approachable without skimping on depth, perfect for wrapping your head around this critical era of American history.
Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times
Timothy Bottoms, Raymond Evans  | Allen & Unwin

Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times

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Goodreads rating: 4.09

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This book could resonate with you if you're into Australian history or seeking to understand the true and often unspoken costs of colonial expansion. Timothy Bottoms doesn't shy away from the gritty, uncomfortable truths that led to the formation of modern Queensland, taking a deep dive into an era that's frequently glossed over. If you appreciate thorough research paired with a pursuit for justice and historical accuracy, "Conspiracy of Silence" could offer you a stark yet necessary perspective.
Massacre at Fort William Henry - Thryft
David R. Starbuck | University Press Of New England

Massacre at Fort William Henry

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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If you're fascinated by the raw and gritty aspects of history, especially early American colonial clashes, the 'Massacre at Fort William Henry' offers an absorbing dive into one of the 18th-century's darker episodes. David R. Starbuck's archeological background lends a distinct authenticity to the narrative, making it a gripping read for anyone interested in the underbelly of American history.
102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers

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"102 Minutes" isn't just a retelling of the tragic day we all remember; it's a deep dive into personal courage and systemic failure, stitched together through interviews and chilling transcripts. Reading it, you'll find yourself right there in the smoke-filled corridors, among the heroes and the doomed, and you'll emerge with a profound sense of both the fragility and the resilience of the human spirit.
100 Essays From Time
New
Don Knefel | Allyn & Bacon

100 Essays From Time

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Goodreads rating: 2.5

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79% off est. retail

In stock: Well Read

If you're keen on diving into the shifts in culture and politics that shaped the world from the 1960s through the early 90s, "100 Essays from Time" is like a time machine on paper. With perspectives and discussions captured during those transformative years, you'll find wisdom, nostalgia, and perhaps even a new understanding of the present through the lens of the past. It's for someone who appreciates the craft of essay writing and values historical insight.
The Gilded Age, or, The Hazard of New Functions

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If you're intrigued by how historical epochs shape a nation, "The Gilded Age" by Mark Wahlgren Summers could be a gripping choice for you. This book delves into the complex mix of innovation and tradition during a pivotal time in American history, providing context and clarity. It's a narrative rich in details that not only recounts events but also analyses their impact on society, economy, and culture—an enlightening read that brings a crucial era of American history to life.
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
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"Dead Famous" offers an unexpected journey, taking you well beyond the present-day glitz of social media influencers back to the intriguing origins of celebrity culture. Greg Jenner masterfully uncovers the earliest stars and their stories, providing an absorbing narrative that's not only about how people became icons but also how their fame shaped society. It's a must-read if you enjoy peeling back the layers of history to understand how past celebrity culture informs our current obsession with fame.
Insurgent Empire: Anticolonial Resistance and British Dissent
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"Insurgent Empire" could be the enlightening read you're looking for if you're interested in the often underrepresented perspective of how colonized peoples' resistance impacted the British critics of empire. Priyamvada Gopal doesn't just recount historical events; she reveals the active role of the oppressed in shaping the discourse of freedom. If you're keen on understanding the dynamics of resistance and its influence on the oppressors' soil, this book weaves together a narrative that highlights a different angle of the imperial history.
About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks - Thryft
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The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world?In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction.This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.
Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From
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Imagine reaching deep into the past, uncovering the origins of the very land you tread. "Early Indians" offers that time-traveling experience with scientific precision and engaging storytelling. Tony Joseph diligently stitches together genetic findings, archaeological evidence, and linguistic studies to piece together a story of ancient migrations that shaped the Indian subcontinent. It's a captivating read not just for history buffs but for anyone curious about the diverse tapestry of human ancestry.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
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If you're intrigued by the story of humanity and want to understand how we became the dominant species on Earth, "Sapiens" is the perfect book for you. Through a captivating narrative, Harari takes you on a journey spanning thousands of years, examining what makes us unique as a species. From our ability to create powerful myths and cooperate in large numbers, to the impact we've had on the planet, "Sapiens" offers a thought-provoking perspective that will challenge and inspire you in equal measure.
China : A New History - Thryft
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John King Fairbank, Merle Goldman  | Belknap

China : A New History

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Goodreads rating: 3.88

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Recommended for history enthusiasts, traces China's rich civilization through its ups and downs with a focus on the struggles of forming and maintaining a cohesive identity, while fiercely protecting individualism, the book offers an insight into how family, intellect, and autocratic rule blend to form what is contemporary China.
Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory
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Deborah E. Lipstadt | Gardners Vi Books Ams006

Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory

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Goodreads rating: 4.01

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This book is a wake-up call to the insidious rise of Holocaust denial. Deborah Lipstadt fearlessly exposes the dangerous ideas and lies propagated by revisionists, shedding light on their hidden agenda. With meticulous research and an unyielding determination for truth, Lipstadt convincingly dismantles their arguments, leaving no room for doubt. Denying the Holocaust is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving historical truth and confronting those who seek to distort it. A must-read for anyone concerned about the impact of denial on our collective memory and the fight against bigotry.
At Home : A Short History of Private Life - Thryft
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Bryson Bill | Black Swan

At Home : A Short History of Private Life

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Goodreads rating: 3.98

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76% off est. retail

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"At Home" provides a delightful and insightful journey through the history of human civilization via the rooms of a single house, revealing the hidden connections between ordinary objects and world-changing events. It is perfect for anyone who is curious about how the things we take for granted today came to be.

Understanding Social Dynamics

At Thryft, our Sociology section serves as a gateway to understanding complex social structures and behaviours. We offer a wide range of titles covering key sociological theories, modern societal challenges, by influential thinkers. Sociology engages with real world issues, functioning as a lens to view personal and collective social identities. Whether you’re pursuing personal growth or specific academic interests, our collection has something for everyone. Connect with these enlightening works today.