The Basics is a highly successful series of accessible guidebooks which provide an overview of the fundamental principles of a subject area in a jargon-free and undaunting format.
Intended for students approaching a subject for the first time, the books both introduce the essentials of a subject and provide an ideal springboard for further study. With over 50 titles spanning subjects from Artificial Intelligence to Women’s Studies, The Basics are an ideal starting point for students seeking to understand a subject area.
Each text comes with recommendations for further study and gradually introduces the complexities and nuances within a subject.
By Gary Slapper, David Kelly
July 25, 2011
An engaging introduction to one of the most complex areas of modern life. The book introduces both the main components of the legal system - including judges, juries and law-makers - and key areas of law - contract, civil negligence, and criminal law - to provide the uninitiated with an ideal ...
By Andrew Jones
June 13, 2012
Human Geography: The Basics is a concise introduction to the study of the role that humankind plays in shaping the world around us. Whether it’s environmental concerns, the cities we live in or the globalization of the economy, these are issues which affect us all. This book introduces these topics...
By Christopher Meeder
December 19, 2007
Jazz: The Basics gives a brief introduction to a century of jazz, ideal for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this important musical style. The heart of the book traces jazz's growth from its folk origins through early recordings and New Orleans stars; the big-band and ...
By Peter Kivisto, Paul R. Croll
January 11, 2012
Race and ethnicity have shaped the social, cultural and political character of much of the world, and remain an important influence on contemporary life in the 21st Century. Race and Ethnicity: The Basics is an accessible introduction to these potent forces. Topics covered include: The forms and ...
By Kay Wood
July 26, 2011
@text: Everyone knows that education is important, we are confronted daily by discussion of it in the media and by politicians, but how much do we really know about education? Education: The Basics is a lively and engaging introduction to education as an academic subject, taking into account both ...
By Sherrie Lyons
July 12, 2011
Evolution: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the history, development and science of the theory of evolution. Beginning pre-Darwin and concluding with the latest research and controversies, readers are introduced to the origins of the idea of evolution, the ways in which it has developed ...
By Suman Gupta
December 08, 2011
‘Contemporary Literature’ is among the most popular areas of literary study but it can be a difficult one to define. This book equips readers with the necessary tools to take an analytical and systematic approach to contemporary texts. The author provides answers to some of the critical questions ...
By Jo Butterworth
January 10, 2012
A concise introduction to the study of dance ranging from the practical aspects such as technique and choreography to more theoretical considerations such as aesthetic appreciation and the place of dance in different cultures. This book answers questions such as: Exactly how do we define dance? ...
By Colin Turner
May 24, 2011
Now in its second edition, Islam: The Basics provides an introduction to the Islamic faith, examining the doctrines of the religion, the practises of Muslims and the history and significance of Islam in modern contexts. Key topics covered include: the Qur'an and its teachings the life of ...
By James Lutz, Brenda J. Lutz
April 06, 2011
Terrorism: The Basics is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in one of the most discussed, written about and analysed aspects of modern life. Common misconceptions are dispelled as the authors provide clear and jargon-free answers to the big questions: What does terrorism involve? ...
By Peter N. Stearns
December 20, 2010
World History has rapidly grown to become one of the most popular and talked about approaches to the study of history. World History: The Basics introduces this fast-growing field and addresses key questions such as: What is world history? How do we study a subject with such a broad geographic...
By Karl Moore, Niketh Pareek
January 20, 2010
‘…a punchy, stripped-down version of what marketing is all about.’ – The Times Higher Education Supplement If you have a product you’re looking to market, or you’re seeking to learn more about the potential of online marketing, Marketing: The Basics tells you everything you need to know ...