Video games have never been more popular – or more intricately designed. But we haven’t yet developed the vocabulary to analyse a game’s impact the way we do a film’s, says professor of computational media Katherine Isbister. Here, she chooses five of the best books that explore the art of video game design, and the subcultures that grow up around them.

Sport can offer insights into philosophy and life in general, argues the philosophy professor and sports enthusiast. He chooses the best books on philosophy and sport.

Sport is central to American culture but there are surprisingly few great novels about it, says the best-selling author of The Art of Fielding. He picks the best novels with sporting themes.

FT columnist Simon Kuper  tells us what it means to be a football fan and why England always seem to lose. He picks the best football books (in English).

It’s America’s favourite sport – at its best, a wonderful, thrilling spectacle; at its worst, legitimised violence exacting a terrible price on players. The Chicago Sun-Times sportswriter takes us inside the dark heart of American football.

You don’t have to be a genius to play chess, but it helps. The former Sunday Telegraph editor and chess aficionado, Dominic Lawson, chooses the best books on chess.

The sports pundit says baseball reflects an American ideal which is now an American fantasy. It works well as a metaphor for life, which may be why there have been so many good novels written about it

The 11 times gold medal-winning Paralympian athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson, now a peer in Britain’s House of Lords, tells us about the spirit and legacy of the Olympics. She picks books on “the spirit of sport.”

The world championship winning horse rider, who will represent Great Britain in the Olympics, tells us what it takes to succeed in her sport

Fast, violent and with a passionately political history, hockey is the sport that defines Canada. The sports columnist tells us how this came to be, and why hockey, still a thrilling spectacle, has also become more dangerous to play. He picks the best books on ice hockey.

The former international cricketer, and author of a forthcoming book on luck, tells us about the chance happenings that have helped shape his life, for better or worse

The presenter of the popular BBC series Gardener’s World shares his favourite reads on gardening from childhood to today, and tells us that we’re all bacteria when it comes to working with nature

The award-winning garden designer recommends essential books for any budding gardener, and reveals why trees are the backbone of any good garden

The gardening expert recommends five books that have influenced her, from 300 year old gardening tips to the difficulty of describing flowers

The president of the New York Botanical Garden tells us about the books that all aspiring gardeners should have on their bookshelves, from reference works to the most fun guide to making the best of your garden

The Sports Illustrated columnist says the best sports books tell human stories – and tells us why nostalgia is intrinsic to baseball

John Thorn, the official historian for Major League Baseball, explains how America’s national pastime has been culturally transformative, even radicalising. He recommends the best books on baseball.

Rugby fanatic Richard Beard explains the difference between rugby league and rugby union – and says the aggression you need for the game doesn’t always translate well into life

What are the best books about cricket? Cricket commentator Daniel Norcross compiles a reading list for cricket lovers.

Table tennis champion and author of Bounce: How Champions are Made, Matthew Syed believes that winning is partly the placebo effect of confidence.

The respected horticulturalist says if you plant an oak tree you know you’re never going to see it grow into maturity, but in planting it you are asserting your belief in the future and in future generations.

The Head of the Intercultural Dialogue Programme of the British Council in India says good sportsmanship is a 19th-century imperial construct. He walks us through five engaging books on sportsmanship and cheating

The Professor of Comparative Politics & German Studies at the University of Michigan and avid baseball, basketball, American football and ice-hockey fan gives us his views on Global Sport.

The esteemed sport journalist spreads his passion for soccer with these five essential reads. Wonderful interview packed with fascinating personal anecdotes

The author and journalist makes his selection of the best books on World Football. Features volumes from Simon Kuper and Alex Bellos, as well as a cracking investigation into FIFA corruption

The British writer, comedian and broadcaster nominates interesting reads about soccer. Includes books on hooliganism, racism in football, the World Cup, and the nature of the football fan

The Senior Editor at Prospect Magazine discusses computer games. Says they aren’t just for teenage boys locked in their bedrooms – they are vital tools for social development. Thoughtful and personal

The author, plantsman and rhododendra expert selects his favourite books on botanical exploration and explains his passion for plant hunting

The historian of garden design says creating a garden is not about pulling out weeds – it’s about fulfilling man’s need for organisation and security

Discussion of the lesser-known subject of guerilla gardening – the illicit cultivation of someone else’s land. A fascinating and historical topic, and eclectic book selections include a history of Google

What drives people’s passion for birds and birdwatching? For Jeremy Mynott, it’s as much about us as it is about them. He recommends the best books on birds and birdwatching.

European poker champion, author and presenter, Victoria Coren, talks us through her library of the best books on poker.