Cultures are shaped by many institutions and agencies, including governments, corporations, education and the media. In recent years, research into these culture-shaping activities has been increasingly associated with the developing field of cultural policy studies. The Cultural Policy Review of Books offers a fascinating insight into the intellectual formation of many of the leading figures that have contributed to this field. Invited to write a short review essay on the book that had most influenced their thinking, 41 academics and researchers from around the world reveal what they consider to be essential reading. Including essays on Bourdieu, de Certeau, Foucault, Gramsci, Habermas, and Williams, as well as many lesser known writers, the collection throws new light on the intellectual underpinning of cultural policy studies. It will be of interest not only to researchers, students and teachers in this field, but to all those looking to understand the forces that shape the culture of modern societies.