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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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Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You
Jason Reynolds, Ibram X. Kendi  | Thorndike Striving Reader

Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 4.47

$17.90

If you're seeking to understand the roots and effects of racism without getting lost in dense historical texts, "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" offers a refreshing take. Authors Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi have created a remix of a scholarly work that reads like a conversation, making the heavy subject matter accessible and relatable, especially for younger audiences or those new to the subject. It's thought-provoking and educational, yet approachable.
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Just Arrived
Jeffrey Keeten, Yuval Noah Harari  | Vintage

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$6.90

75% off est. retail
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.
Civilization: The West and the Rest
Niall Ferguson | Lane Allen

Civilization: The West and the Rest

$18.90 $12.90 32% off

Goodreads rating: 3.86

$18.90 $12.90 32% off

"Civilization: The West and the Rest" offers a panoramic perspective on how Western Europe gained an unexpected upper hand in global affairs. Niall Ferguson presents a thought-provoking analysis on the cultural and technological 'apps' that fueled Western ascendancy. If you're fascinated by the interplay of history and power dynamics, this book will provide a compelling narrative and a fresh lens through which to view the past and anticipate possible futures.
The Library Book
Susan Orlean | Atlantic Books

The Library Book

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$8.90

If you're the kind of person who finds solace among bookshelves and has a fascination for untold stories, "The Library Book" by Susan Orlean will likely resonate with you. This isn't just a chronicle of a disastrous fire; it's a heartfelt homage to the institution of the library itself, teeming with intrigue and the quiet power of books. It might reignite your appreciation for these treasured communal spaces.
Why We Kneel, How We Rise
Usain Bolt, Michael Holding, Ed Hawkins  | Simon & Schuster Uk

Why We Kneel, How We Rise

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 4.47

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

64% off est. retail
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.
At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Bill Bryson | Doubleday

At Home: A Short History of Private Life

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

"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.
1968: The Year That Rocked the World
Mark Kurlansky | Ballantine Books (ny)

1968: The Year That Rocked the World

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$12.90 $9.90 23% off

60% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by history with a pulse, "1968: The Year That Rocked the World" might just be your next favorite read. Mark Kurlansky has a knack for bringing the vibrancy of historical events to life, and this book is no exception. It's a vivid time capsule that puts you right in the heart of a year where every corner of the globe seemed to be on the edge of monumental change.
Civilizations
Felipe Fernández-Armesto | Key Porter Books

Civilizations

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.89

$11.90

If you like big-idea history that makes you rethink how societies rise, connect, and define themselves, this could be a rewarding read. Felipe Fernández-Armesto is known for taking a broad, global view, so the book likely feels more expansive than standard region-by-region history. It’s the kind of read that can leave you seeing civilization itself as a more surprising, contested, and human story.
The Baby Farmers
Just Arrived
Annie Cossins | Allen & Unwin Australia

The Baby Farmers

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.46

$9.90

67% off est. retail
If you like true crime that digs into the social world behind the horror, this is a gripping read. It is not just about a notorious case, but about poverty, women’s desperation, and the silence of a whole society. Readers who enjoy vivid historical detail and unsettling real-life courtroom drama will find it especially absorbing.
Tomlinson Hill
Chris Tomlinson | St. Martin's Griffin

Tomlinson Hill

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$14.90

63% off est. retail
If you're drawn to stories that weave personal journeys with historical contexts, "Tomlinson Hill" is worth your time. It's a profound tale that delves into the complexities of family lineages and the enduring impact of race in American history. The author's personal connection to the narrative heightens its authenticity and provides a lens to view broader societal issues. This isn't just a book; it's a conversation starter on identity and heritage.
The 9/11 Commission Report
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States | W.w. Norton & Co.

The 9/11 Commission Report

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.65

$8.26

67% off est. retail
This report is a deep dive into the tragic events of September 11, offering both a meticulous recounting of the day's events and a thoughtful examination of the lead-up and aftermath. It provides crucial insights into the systemic failures that allowed such an atrocity to occur and offers sober, thorough recommendations for preventing future acts of terrorism. It's essential for those who wish to fully understand both the implications of 9/11 on national security and the measures enacted to protect citizens since then.
1968: The Year That Rocked the World
Mark Kurlansky | Vintage

1968: The Year That Rocked the World

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

If you're intrigued by how singular years can act as pivot points in history, "1968: The Year That Rocked the World" could fascinate you. Kurlansky masterfully weaves the tales of political upheavals, cultural revolutions, and influential personalities into a narrative that not only recounts the events but also analyzes their long-lasting impact. It's a read that acts as a time machine, giving you a front-row seat to the drama, inspirations, and aspirations of a year that still echoes in today's society.
The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction
Eric Rauchway | Oxford University Press

The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$11.90

38% off est. retail
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.
102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers
Jim Dwyer, Kevin Flynn  | Times Books

102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

88% off est. retail
"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.
If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, King of the Caribbean Pirates
Richard Sanders | Skyhorse

If a Pirate I Must Be: The True Story of Black Bart, King of the Caribbean Pirates

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$11.90

This is the kind of pirate story that feels stranger and sharper than fiction because it actually happened. Black Bart comes across as disciplined, charismatic, and wildly effective, and the book really leans into the surprising social world around him. If you like adventure with real historical texture, this one sounds like a vivid, myth-busting ride.
The Bastille: A History of a Symbol of Despotism and Freedom - Bicentennial Reflections on the French Revolution
Norbert Schürer, Hans-Jürgen Lüsebrink, Rolf Reichardt  | Duke University Press

The Bastille: A History of a Symbol of Despotism and Freedom - Bicentennial Reflections on the French Revolution

$23.90

Goodreads rating: 3.67

$23.90

55% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how pivotal moments in history can shape our collective consciousness, "The Bastille" offers a profound exploration. Lüsebrink and Reichardt don't just recount the events of 1789; they delve into the powerful symbolism of the Bastille's fall and its enduring legacy in political culture. As it traces the symbol's metamorphosis from the French Revolution through to the decolonization era, the book reveals the intricate interplay between history and memory. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the dynamics of cultural symbols and their impact over time.
The Gilded Age, or, The Hazard of New Functions
Mark Wahlgren Summers | Pearson

The Gilded Age, or, The Hazard of New Functions

$19.90

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$19.90

90% off est. retail
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.
Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America - Thryft
James Schouler | Heritage Books, Inc

Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America

$20.90 $4.90 77% off

Goodreads rating: 2.6

$20.90 $4.90 77% off

89% off est. retail
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.
The Fifties - Thryft
David Halberstam | Ballantine Books

The Fifties

$12.90 $7.90 39% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$12.90 $7.90 39% off

78% off est. retail
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.
Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times
Timothy Bottoms, Raymond Evans  | Allen & Unwin

Conspiracy of Silence: Queensland's Frontier Killing Times

$11.90 $5.90 50% off

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$11.90 $5.90 50% off

88% off est. retail
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.
100 Essays From Time
Don Knefel | Allyn & Bacon

100 Essays From Time

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

Goodreads rating: 2.5

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

89% off est. retail
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.
How to Be a Good Wife
Bodleian Library | Bodleian Library, University Of Oxford

How to Be a Good Wife

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$11.90 $8.90 25% off

If you're intrigued by social history or enjoy a splash of nostalgia, "How to Be a Good Wife" could be a delightful peek into marital advice from a bygone era. It's a window into the past, presenting views that might seem outdated today, yet offer an interesting comparison to contemporary relationships. Plus, the line drawings add a charming visual appeal to the guide's vintage wisdom.
Everyday Life in Traditional Japan
Just Arrived

Everyday Life in Traditional Japan

$9.90

$9.90

If you love history that feels lived-in rather than distant, this is a deeply rewarding read. It brings traditional Japan to life through the habits, roles, and routines of different social classes, so you get a textured sense of how people actually lived. Readers who enjoy cultural history often find it especially absorbing because it turns a broad historical period into something intimate and human.
Massacre at Fort William Henry - Thryft
David R. Starbuck | University Press Of New England

Massacre at Fort William Henry

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

88% off est. retail
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.
The Nation as a Local Metaphor: Wurttemberg, Imperial Germany, and National Memory, 1871-1918
Alon Confino | The University Of North Carolina Press

The Nation as a Local Metaphor: Wurttemberg, Imperial Germany, and National Memory, 1871-1918

$27.90

Goodreads rating: 3.4

$27.90

65% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by how national identities are forged from local narratives, Confino's study is a compelling dive into German history. It's a thoughtful read, especially if you're interested in the cultural and memory-driven aspects of nation-building. The book's focus on Wurttemberg's local lens providing a blueprint for German national memory offers a unique perspective that history enthusiasts and scholars will find enriching.
The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation
Gene Roberts, Hank Klibanoff  | Knopf

The Race Beat: The Press, the Civil Rights Struggle, and the Awakening of a Nation

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 4.21

$18.90

61% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by history and the transformative power of the press, "The Race Beat" is a compelling pick for you. It provides an insightful exploration of how journalists covered and affected the Civil Rights era, painting a vivid picture of the social and political dynamism of the time. The intense and brave work of these reporters not only informed the public but also helped propel the movement forward.
Lancing Girls of a Happy World
Adeline Foo | Ethos Books

Lancing Girls of a Happy World

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$11.90

If you've ever wondered about the unseen struggles behind the alluring facade of cabaret and dance, "Lancing Girls of a Happy World" is a probe into the lives of women who danced not just for entertainment but survival. Adeline Foo provides a poignant glimpse into a past filled with both shimmer and shadows, offering a narrative that is rich with the dancers' perseverance and tenacity. It could redefine your perception of an era and the women who lived it.
Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World
Lesley Downer | Headline

Geisha: The Secret History of a Vanishing World

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$11.90

52% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the enigmatic world of geisha, often misconstrued in Western media, Lesley Downer's book is a revealing ticket to understanding. It peels away layers of misconceptions, inviting you into a complex social art form that's integral to Japanese heritage. Dive in, and emerge with a nuanced perspective of these captivating "arts people."
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
Sold out
Greg Jenner | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

64% off est. retail
"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.
The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World
Sold out
Larry Zuckerman | North Point Press

The Potato: How the Humble Spud Rescued the Western World

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$10.90 $8.90 18% off

69% off est. retail
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.
About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks - Thryft
Sold out
David Rooney | Penguin

About Time : A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

$4.70

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$4.70

76% off est. retail
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.
China : A New History - Thryft
Sold out
John King Fairbank, Merle Goldman  | Belknap

China : A New History

$10.47

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$10.47

72% off est. retail
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.
Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited
Sold out
Cherian George | Ethos Books

Air-Conditioned Nation Revisited

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$11.90

56% off est. retail
This book could be a good read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate blend of comfort and central control in Singapore's society. Through a compilation of essays by Cherian George, it provides critical insights into the country's political culture, shedding light on both its mastery of the environment and the potential risks it poses to individual autonomy and sustainability. With updated reflections on continuity and change, this 20th anniversary edition offers a comprehensive exploration of Singapore's unique societal dynamics, making it a must-read for those intrigued by the complexities of this nation.

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.