
Reaktion Books and the Unexpected Joys of Exploratory Search
When was the last time you got lost in a reference book? While many researchers today are drawn to the speed and precision of a Google search, database search, or AI query, some still enjoy the experience of exploring a comprehensive encyclopedia or fact book to uncover bits of information that invigorate or even transform their research journey. Credo Reference recently added over a dozen titles from Reaktion Books, which is celebrating its 40th year as an independent publisher, and whose books are custom built for exploratory search. Each title offers a thorough history of its topic and includes little nuggets throughout that would often get lost in the fringes of most traditional search queries. We’ve included some of our favorites below. Credo Reference subscribers will find access links below. Not a subscriber? Take a free trial. Biscuits and Cookies Perhaps you’ve had fortune cookies and Fig Newtons, but what about nankhatai, from India? Have you ever eaten Finnish avioliittopikkuleipä? Check off every cookie you’ve tried on this Biscuit Bucket List and go on a sugary scavenger hunt to sample the rest. Jam, Jelly, and Marmalade Jam has an unexpectedly radical history! Workers in jam factories in the early 20th century were predominantly women.