Radical Non-Fiction: A Reading List for the Politically Curious
Share
At The Bookworm, we believe books can change the way you see the world. That's especially true of the non-fiction we curate; books that challenge power, centre marginalised voices, and ask hard questions about how we got here and where we're going.
This reading list is built around the radical publishers we love and stock: Verso, Haymarket Books, AK Press, PM Press, and Pluto Press. Whether you're new to political non-fiction or looking for your next essential read, this list is a good place to start.
Why Radical Non-Fiction?
"Radical" doesn't mean inaccessible. The books below are rigorous and readable — written for people who want to understand capitalism, colonialism, feminism, ecology, and resistance in all its forms. These publishers have been doing this work for decades, and the quality shows.
Our Picks
From Verso
Verso is one of the world's leading radical publishers, with a backlist that spans economics, philosophy, history, and politics. Their titles are staples on activist bookshelves everywhere. Browse our Verso collection →
From Haymarket Books
Chicago-based Haymarket publishes some of the most urgent political writing of our time. From labour rights to anti-racism to international solidarity. Browse our Haymarket Books collection →
From AK Press
AK Press is a worker-run, anarchist publisher with over 30 years of history. Their catalogue covers anarchism, feminism, queer theory, and more. Browse our AK Press collection →
From PM Press
PM Press champions independent voices on the left, with a strong emphasis on social justice, labour, and grassroots movements. Browse our PM Press collection →
From Pluto Press
Pluto has been publishing radical academic and activist writing since 1969. Their non-fiction spans global politics, postcolonial studies, and critical theory. Browse our Pluto Press collection →
Also Worth Exploring
If you're specifically drawn to feminist non-fiction, don't miss our dedicated Feminism non-fiction collection. Carefully curated and regularly updated.
A Note from The Bookworm
We're a small, independent bookstore based in Rotterdam, and every book we stock is one we believe in. If you want a personal recommendation or can't find what you're looking for, get in touch. We'd love to help.
Happy reading. 📚