Book reviews

The Bibliography section will publish reviews of monographs within the scope of Revista Andaluza de Administración Pública. Additionally, more extensive bibliographic studies may also be published regarding a set of works by the same author or on a selection of works by different authors.

(See the journal's regulations.)

Book reviews are an essential part of the academic publishing system. They offer valuable training in thoughtful and reflective reading, as well as critical and constructive thinking, and writing for both young and experienced academics. Similarly, those working in public administration and government may have a significant contribution to make.

RAAP publishes reviews and may also commission some. Authors can either submit their reviews directly or reach out to the editorial assistant to confirm that the book being reviewed is of interest to the journal. The editorial board evaluates the reviews.

What should a book review contain?

These are brief texts that critically analyse a recently published book within the context of the RAAP subject matter. Like other academic genres, reviews follow a typical structure. Ideally, a paragraph should be dedicated to each of the following aspects:

  • Describe the topic the book addresses. If possible, incorporate a hook to engage the reader.
  • Share the author's biography: who they are, why they are known, their qualifications and experience related to the topic, and where this work fits into their career.
  • Summarize the book's main argument clearly.
  • Specify the methodology utilized and the type of data, period, or geographical area it addresses.
  • Summarize the organization of the book, including the number of parts or chapters it contains.
  • Briefly describe the content of select chapters or sections that are particularly interesting.
  • Discuss the book's strengths, what it contributes, or what gap it addresses in the topic covered—perhaps another approach to studying something already examined, or maybe something entirely new.
  • Discuss weaknesses that could be addressed, what additional topics this book should have covered, what approaches it overlooked, and whether it is understandable.
  • Specify the intended audience for the book: undergraduate or graduate students? Academics? From which disciplines? The general public?
  • It should conclude with a final statement summarizing the author's opinion of the book.