(Paperback)

Analyses the origins, history and logic of 'still life', one of the most enduring forms of Western painting. This work surveys a major segment in the history of still life, from 17th-century Spanish painting to Cubism. It tackles the controversial field of 17th-century Dutch still life.

(Hardback)

A superb overview of pivotal Renaissance philosopher, writer and historian Machiavelli.

(Paperback)

Exploring the rich array of films, books, television, music and even video games portraying and inspired by the mafia, this book offers not only a social, economic and political history of the mafia but a new way of understanding our enduring fascination with what lurks behind the sinister omert of the family business.

(Hardback)

In this book, David Leeming analyses the Medusa in myth, history, philosophy, modern psychoanalysis, art, literature, feminism and the advertising industry

(Hardback)

Miracles of Our Own Making Ranging widely across literature, art, science and beyond, Liz Williams debunks many of the prevailing myths surrounding magical practice, past and present, while offering a rigorously researched and highly accessible account of what it means to be a pagan today.

(Hardback)

Astonishing, humorous and shocking tales from ancient Greece and Rome.

(Hardback)

A revealing exploration of mosses and lichens, unsung heroes of the natural world.

(Paperback)

A cultural and natural history of the moth, which may seem drab compared to the butterfly, but which in fact has more species and brighter colouring than its day-flying cousin.

(Paperback)

An animal worshipped, slaughtered, loved and loathed, the mouse is abeguiling part of our culture and environment. Mouse explores in richdetail the stories and history of this enchanting creature, with which we notonly share our domestic and urban space, but 99 per cent of our geneticmakeup.

(Paperback)

Octopus documents the long and multi-faceted relationship between human and cephalopod. The book relates both what is known and unknown about the mind of an octopus, as well as detailing the animal's remarkable natural and cultural history.

(Hardback)

Depictions of old age in art from ancient to modern.

(Paperback)

(Hardback)

The compelling story of one of America's most adventurous jazz musicians.

(Paperback, New Format)

A natural and cultural history of a much-loved animal, the otter.

(Paperback)

The owls are not what they seem. From ancient Babylon to Edward Lear's The Owl and the Pussycat and the grandiloquent, absent-minded Wol from Winnie the Pooh to David Lynch's Twin Peaks, owls have woven themselves into the fabric of human culture from earliest times. This book explores the natural and cultural history of owls.

(Paperback)

In this classic Reaktion title, now available in paperback, bestselling author and broadcaster Desmond Morris explores the natural and cultural history of one of natures most popular creatures.

(Hardback)

Michael Fried casts his acute gaze on the extraordinary Renaissance painter Gerolamo Savoldo

(Paperback)

A beautifully written celebration of the god of music, lust and wine, Pan.

(Paperback)

A natural history, this title is also an account of parrots in culture.

(Hardback)

Just when you thought you knew everything about the humble noodle, Pasta and Noodles reveals little-known facts, tasty titbits and cultural lore about the history of pasta. Kantha Shelke takes you on a journey across five continents to trace the evolution of this highly adaptable foodstuff.

(Hardback)

A beautifully illustrated account of pearls through millennia, from fossils to contemporary jewellery.

(Hardback)

The history, culture, botany and beauty of the beloved peony.

(Hardback)

Pet Revolution tracks the British love affair with pets over the last three centuries.

(Hardback)

Born in Tuscany in 1304, Italian poet Francesco Petrarca is widely considered one of the fathers of the modern Italian language. His writings inspired the Humanist movement and, subsequently, the Renaissance, but few figures are as complex or as misunderstood.