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 Judith Pintar, David Hopping
December 30, 2022
Information Science: The Basics provides an accessible introduction to the multifaceted field of Information Science (IS). Inviting readers to explore a modern field of study with deep historical foundations, the book begins by considering the complexities of the term "information" and the ...
By Michael McCarthy
December 14, 2022
English Vocabulary: The Basics offers a clear, non-jargonistic introduction to English vocabulary, the way linguists classify and explain it, and the place of vocabulary in our overall picture of the language, and in society. Introducing a range of terminology for discussing vocabulary, the reader ...
By Janice Wearmouth
November 30, 2022
Special Educational Needs and Disability provides a clear, coherent overview of the historical development of the field of special educational, or additional learning or support needs and disability, and discusses important past and current social and political contexts in which this took place, as...
By Robert Chapman
November 22, 2022
Archaeological Theory: The Basics is an accessible introduction to an indispensable part of what archaeologists do. The book guides the reader to an understanding of what theory is, how it works and the range of theories used in archaeology. The growth of theory and the adoption of theories drawn ...
By Silva Neves
November 17, 2022
Sexology: The Basics is the contemporary manual of human sexuality, eroticism, and intimate relationships. It takes you to every corner of the human erotic mind and physiological arousal response for a thorough understanding of all the functional parts of our sexualities, including how we bond, ...
By Cathy Rogers, Michael S. C. Thomas
November 15, 2022
Educational Neuroscience: The Basics is an engaging introduction to this emerging, interdisciplinary field. It explains how the brain works and its priorities for learning, and shows how educational neuroscience, when combined with existing knowledge of human and social psychology, and with teacher...
By Mark Doel
October 25, 2022
This revised second edition of Social Work: The Basics is an insightful introduction to the often misrepresented world of social work. This accessible book presents a broad view of contemporary social work, exploring its roots and its possible future. It dispels myths surrounding social work, ...
By Richard Martin
October 21, 2022
This new edition introduces the core elements of ancient Greek and Roman narratives about immortal gods and heroic humans. It explains how myths once shaped ancient ways of thinking, and how they have fascinated and inspired artists, writers, musicians, scientists, and scholars since. In six clear ...
By Damon Kiely
September 28, 2022
Play Directing: The Basics introduces theatre students to a step-by-step process for directing plays, including advice on devising. Beginning with a historical overview of directing, this book covers every aspect of the director’s job from first read to closing night. Practical advice on finding ...
By Cate Campbell
September 23, 2022
Sex Therapy: The Basics offers an introduction to modern sex therapy and is essential reading for anyone working professionally with sexual issues or just interested in sex. This book contains all you need to know to get started, find more information or learn how and when to refer. Current ...
By Samuel Lebens
September 13, 2022
This book introduces students and other interested readers to the philosophy of religion—a vibrant and growing field of academic philosophy. Readers will be guided through an exploration of classic and contemporary arguments for and against theism. In addition to this crucial, but standard fare, ...
By Marc H. Bornstein, Martha E. Arterberry
July 27, 2022
Infancy: The Basics offers an introduction to the developmental science behind the fascinating world of infant development. This book takes the reader from before birth through the moment infants come into the world seemingly unable to do much but eat, eliminate, and sleep, and across the...