Series: The Basics

This new introduction to Jung’s Collected Works—written in a lively and accessible style—provides a comprehensive guide to key concepts in analytical (Jungian) psychology, while charting the creative evolution of Jung’s thought through his own words. Invaluable to both beginners and those more experienced with Jungian theory, this book includes tables listing key readings for further study of the Collected Works,...

The global economy is dominated by a powerful set of established and emerging capitalisms, from the long-standing capitalist economies of the West to the rising economies of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. An understanding of capitalism is therefore fundamental to understanding the modern world. Capitalism: The Basics is an accessible introduction to a variety of capitalisms and...

Humans are social animals and are constantly interacting with each other through conversation, written communication, symbols and other expressions. Discourse: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the analysis of those interactions and the many forms and meanings they can take. The book draws on a range of international case studies and examples from literature, political speech, advertising,...

Opera: The Basics offers an excellent introduction to four centuries of opera. Its easy-to-follow sections explore topics including: The origins of opera Basic terminology The history of major opera genres including serious opera, comic opera, semi-serious opera, and vernacular opera With key notes, discography, and videography, this is the ideal book for students and interested listeners who want to learn...

Ancient Near East: The Basics surveys the history of the ancient Middle East from the invention of writing to Alexander the Great’s conquest. The book introduces both the physical and intellectual environment of those times, the struggles of state-building and empire construction, and the dissent from those efforts. Topics covered include: What do we mean when we talk about the...

Anthropology of Religion: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introductory text organised around key issues that all anthropologists of religion face. This book uses a wide range of historical and ethnographic examples to address not only what is studied by anthropologists of religion, but how such studies are approached. It addresses questions such as: How do human agents interact...

Now in its second edition, Art History: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the history of art. Using an international range of examples, it provides the reader with a toolkit of concepts, ideas and methods relevant to understanding art history. This new edition is fully updated with colour illustrations, increased coverage of non-Western art, and extended discussions of contemporary...

Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a brilliant primer for those who find AI outside their field or for those who know something of the subject and would like to learn more. - Nick Smith, Engineering and Technology Magazine, November 2011. Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a concise and cutting-edge introduction to the fast-moving world of AI. The author, Kevin Warwick,...

Atheism: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to belief in the non-existence of deities. Atheism has long fascinated people, but debate around this controversial position may seem daunting. In this lively and lucid book, Graham Oppy addresses the following important questions: • What does it mean to be an atheist? • What is the difference between atheism, agnosticism,...

Bioethics: The Basics is an introduction to the foundational principles, theories, and issues in the study of medical and biological ethics. Readers are introduced to bioethics from the ground up before being invited to consider some of the most controversial but important questions facing us today. Topics addressed include: The range of moral theories underpinning bioethics Arguments for the rights...

C. G. Jung: The Basics is an accessible, concise introduction to the life and ideas of C. G. Jung for readers of all backgrounds, from those new to Jung’s work to those looking for a convenient reference. Ruth Williams eloquently and succinctly introduces the key concepts of Jungian theory and paints his biographical picture with clarity. The book begins with...

C. G. Jung: The Basics is an accessible, concise introduction to the life and ideas of C. G. Jung for readers of all backgrounds, from those new to Jung’s work to those looking for a convenient reference. Ruth Williams eloquently and succinctly introduces the key concepts of Jungian theory and paints his biographical picture with clarity. The book begins with...

Christian Ethics: The Basics sets out clearly and critically the different ways that Augustine, Aquinas and Luther continue to shape ethics today within and across Christian denominations. It assumes no previous knowledge of the subject and can be read by religious believers and non-believers alike. Readers are introduced to Christian ethics from the ground up before being invited to consider...

Christianity: The Basics is a compelling introduction to both the central pillars of the Christian faith and the rich and varied history of this most global of religions. This book traces the development of Christianity through an exploration of some of the key beliefs, practices, and emotions which have been recurrent symbols through the centuries: Christ, the kingdom of heaven...

Christian Theology: The Basics is a concise introduction to the nature, tasks, and central concerns of theology – the study of God within the Christian tradition. Providing a broad overview of the story that Christianity tells us about our human situation before God, this book also seeks to provide encouragement and a solid foundation for the reader’s further explorations within...

Corporate Finance: The Basics is a concise introduction to the inner workings of finance at the company level. It aims to take the fear out of corporate finance and add the fun in, presenting the subject in a way that is simple to grasp and easy to digest. Its aim is to explain – and demystify – the essential ideas...

Disability: The Basics is an engaging and accessible introduction to disability which explores the broad historical, social, environmental, economic and legal factors that affect the experiences of those living with an impairment or illness in contemporary society. The book explores key introductory topics including: The diversity of the disability experience; Disability rights and advocacy; Ways in which disabled people have...

Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is an essential introduction to major Indian and Chinese philosophies, both past and present. Exploring familiar metaphysical and ethical questions from the perspectives offered by a range of eastern philosophies, including Confucianism, Daoism, the main Buddhist and Hindu philosophical schools, as well as Jainism, this book covers key figures, issues, methods and concepts. Questions discussed include:...

While human beings might be rational animals, they are emotional animals as well. Emotions play a central role in all areas of our lives, and if we are to have a proper understanding of human life and activity, we ought to have a good grasp of the emotions. Michael S. Brady structures Emotion: The Basics around two basic, yet fundamental,...

Folklore: The Basics is an engaging guide to the practice and interpretation of folklore. Taking examples from around the world, it explores the role of folklore in expressing fundamental human needs, desires, and anxieties that are often not revealed through other means. Providing a clear framework for approaching the study of folklore, the book introduces the reader to methodologies for...

The issue of whether humans are free to make their own decisions has long been debated, and it continues to be controversial today. In Free Will: The Basics, Meghan Griffith provides a clear and accessible introduction to this important but challenging philosophical problem. She addresses the questions central to the topic including: Does free will exist, or is it illusory?...

Genocide: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the study of a controversial and widely debated topic. This concise and comprehensive book explores key questions such as: how successful have efforts been in the prevention of genocide? How prevalent has genocide been throughout history? And how has the concept been defined? Real world case studies address significant issues including: The...

Human ageing is a complex, multi-faceted experience that unfolds over an entire lifetime. While human ageing is universal, it is also wildly variable, shaped by individual, social, cultural, political, geographic, and historical contexts. Gerontology: The Basics explores the field of research, education, and practice which takes on the complex and multi-faceted questions, issues, and problems of adult ageing and old...

Migration is a politically sensitive topic and an important aspect of contentious debates about social and cultural diversity, economic stability, terrorism, globalisation, and nationalism. Global Migration: The Basics examines: history and geography of global migration the role of migrants in society impact of migrants on the economy and the political system policy challenges that need to be faced in confronting...

Migration is a politically sensitive topic and an important aspect of contentious debates about social and cultural diversity, economic stability, terrorism, globalisation, and nationalism. Global Migration: The Basics examines: history and geography of global migration the role of migrants in society impact of migrants on the economy and the political system policy challenges that need to be faced in confronting...

Greek History: The Basics is a concise and compelling introduction to the study of Ancient Greece, covering the period from the end of the Bronze Age to rule by Rome. With a chapter on each crucial period of Greece’s ancient history, the book addresses key topics, approaches, and issues central to Greek history, including: The invention of politics and the...

This accessible primer on Health Psychology covers the key theories and models of the discipline. Through the use of real-life case studies and examples, it covers a broad range of topics related to the field, including health promotion, risky health behaviour, and health in healthcare settings. It explains how health psychology serves to not only promote positive health and reduce...

This accessible primer on Health Psychology covers the key theories and models of the discipline. Through the use of real-life case studies and examples, it covers a broad range of topics related to the field of health psychology, including health promotion, risky health behaviour, and health in healthcare settings. It explains how health psychology serves to not only promote positive...

Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in...

Human Geography: The Basics is a concise introduction to the study of the role that mankind plays in shaping the world around us. Whether it's environmental concerns, the cities we live in, or the globalisation of the economy, these are issues which affect us all. This book introduces these topics and more, including: migration, immigration and asylum, international security and...

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 few short, incredible years, to when infants are walking, talking, thinking humans with clear...

International Relations: The Basics is a concise and accessible introduction for students new to international relations and for the general reader. It offers the most up-to-date guide to the major issues and areas of debate and: explains key issues including humanitarian intervention and economic justice, features illustrative and familiar case studies from around the world, examines topical debates on globalization...

Trade impacts on the lives of all global citizens, influencing the range of commodities available for consumption and where those commodities are produced. Driven increasingly by market exchange, trade shapes the nature of work and how the costs and benefits of that work are distributed around the world. Economic growth and development are closely associated with the flows of goods...

We can't imagine our lives without the Internet. It is the tool of our existence; without it we couldn't work, plan our social and leisure activities, and interact with friends. The Internet’s influence on contemporary society extends across every aspect of our personal and professional lives, but how has this altered us in psychological terms? How are we to understand...

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 swing era; bebop; cool jazz and third stream; avant-garde; jazz-rock;...

Language Acquisition: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the must-know issues in child language development. Covering key topics drawn from contemporary psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience, readers are introduced to fundamental concepts, methods, controversies, and discoveries. It follows the remarkable journey children take; from becoming sensitive to language before birth, to the time they string their first words together; from...

Language Acquisition: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the must-know issues in child language development. Covering key topics drawn from contemporary psychology, linguistics and neuroscience, readers are introduced to fundamental concepts, methods, controversies, and discoveries. It follows the remarkable journey children take; from becoming sensitive to language before birth, to the time they string their first words together; from...

Liberalism: The Basics is an engaging and accessible introduction to liberalism. The author provides a comprehensive overview of liberal practices, liberal values, and critically analyses liberal theories, allowing for a richer understanding of liberalism as a whole. The book is divided into three parts: Liberal practices: the rule of law, free speech, freedom of association and movement, economic freedom and...

Literary Analysis: The Basics is an insightful introduction to analysing a wide range of literary forms. Providing a clear outline of the methodologies employed in twenty-first century literary analysis, it introduces readers to the genres, canons, terms, issues, critical approaches, and contexts that affect the analysis of any text. It addresses such questions as: What counts as literature? Is analysis...

Logic: The Basics is an accessible introduction to several core areas of logic. The first part of the book features a self-contained introduction to the standard topics in classical logic, such as: · mathematical preliminaries · propositional logic · quantified logic (first monadic, then polyadic) · English and standard ‘symbolic translations’ · tableau procedures. Alongside comprehensive coverage of the standard...

Magic: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to magic in world history and contemporary societies. Presenting magic as a global phenomenon which has manifested in all human cultures, this book takes a thematic approach which explores the historical, social, and cultural aspects of magic. Key features include: Attempts to define magic either in universal or more particular terms,...

Medieval Literature: The Basics is an engaging introduction to this fascinating body of literature. The volume breaks down the variety of genres used in the corpus of medieval literature and makes these texts accessible to readers. It engages with the familiarities present in the narratives and connects these ideas with a contemporary, twenty-first century audience. The volume also addresses contemporary...

Men and Masculinity: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the academic study of masculinity, outlining the key ideas and most pressing issues concerning the field today. It provides readers with a framework for understanding these issues and explores the ways that masculinity has been understood in the Social Sciences and Humanities to date. Addressing theories which view masculinity as...

Modern Architecture: The Basics examines technological, stylistic, socio-political, and cultural changes that have transformed the history of architecture since the late 18th century. Broad definitions of modernity and postmodernity introduce the book, which comprises 24 short thematic chapters looking at the concepts behind the development of modern and postmodern architecture. These include major historical movements, key figures, and evolving building...

Modern Architecture: The Basics examines technological, stylistic, socio-political, and cultural changes that have transformed the history of architecture since the late 18th century. Broad definitions of modernity and postmodernity introduce the book, which comprises 24 short thematic chapters looking at the concepts behind the development of modern and postmodern architecture. These include major historical movements, key figures, and evolving building...

Modernism: The Basics provides an accessible overview of the study of modernism in its global dimensions. Examining the key concepts, history, and varied forms of the field, it guides the reader through the major approaches, outlining key debates, to answer such questions as: What is modernism? How did modernism begin? Has modernism developed differently in different media? How is it...

Museum and Gallery Studies: The Basics is an accessible guide for the student approaching Museum and Gallery Studies for the first time. Taking a global view, it covers the key ideas, approaches and contentious issues in the field. Balancing theory and practice, the book addresses important questions such as: What are museums and galleries? Who decides which kinds of objects...

Providing an up-to-date and accessible overview of the essentials of narrative theory, Narrative: The Basics guides the reader through the major approaches to the study of narrative. It uses contemporary examples from a wide range of narrative forms to answer key questions including: What is narrative? What are the "universals" of narrative? What is the relationship between narrative and ideology?...

Now in its third edition, Poetry: The Basics remains an engaging exploration of the world of poetry. Drawing on examples ranging from Chaucer to children's rhymes, Cole Porter to Carol Ann Duffy, and from around the English-speaking world, it shows how any reader can understand and gain more pleasure from poetry. Exploring poetry’s relationship to everyday language and introducing major...

Now in its third edition, Poetry: The Basics remains an engaging exploration of the world of poetry. Drawing on examples ranging from Chaucer to children's rhymes, Cole Porter to Carol Ann Duffy, and from around the English-speaking world, it shows how any reader can understand and gain more pleasure from poetry. Exploring poetry’s relationship to everyday language and introducing major...

Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today. But where religion and science were once held to be compatible, many people now perceive them to be in conflict. This unique book provides the best available introduction to the burning debates in this controversial field. Examining the defining questions and controversies, renowned expert Philip...

From the most basic terms to the structures and practices of the Church, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism: The Basics. Now in a second edition, it contains new sections on relations with other faiths, coverage of recent controversies in the Church and an expanded section on social teaching. It covers: Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions Practices...

Sigmund Freud: The Basics is an easy-to-read introduction to the life and ideas of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis and a key figure in the history of psychology. Janet Sayers provides an accessible overview of Freud’s early life and work, beginning with his childhood. Her book includes the stories of his most famous patients: Dora, Little Hans, the Rat...

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, addresses media debates, and offers a balanced account of what social workers do. Arguing for...

This is a fundamental text for the study of sport history. It answers the ‘why,’ ‘how,’ and ‘what’ questions, introducing the key principles and practices of sport history and walking the reader through the fascinating stories, debates, issues, and national and international narratives that constitute the history of sport. The book provides an overview of the field and the various...

Sport Management: The Basics is an engaging and accessible introduction to sport management, which considers a range of contemporary philosophical, social, cultural, and political matters as they impact on this growing field. Drawing links between academic theory and practice, it explores the current challenges facing managers in the sport industry, addressing topics including: the history of sport management the role...

Stanislavski: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the life, thought and impact of Konstantin Stanislavski. Regarded by many as a great innovator of twentieth century theatre, this book examines Stanislavski's: life and the context of his writings major works in English translation ideas in practical contexts impact on modern theatre With further reading throughout, a glossary of terms and...

Now in a second edition, Theatre Studies: The Basics is a fully updated guide to the wonderful world of theatre. The practical and theoretical dimensions of theatre—from acting to audience—are woven together throughout to provide an integrated introduction to the study of drama, theatre and performance. Topics covered include: dramatic genres, from tragedy to political documentary theories of performance the...

The Bible and Literature: The Basics provides an interpretive framework for understanding the significance of biblical allusions in literature—even for readers who have little prior knowledge of the Bible. In doing so, it surveys the Bible’s influence on a broad range of English, American, and other Anglophone literatures from a variety of historical periods. It also: offers a "greatest hits"...

Tragedy: The Basics is an accessible and up-to-date introduction to dramatic tragedy. A comprehensive guide for anyone undertaking a study of the genre, it provides a chronological overview and history of tragic theory. Covering tragedy from the classics to the present day, it explains the contextual and theoretical issues which affect the interpretation of tragedy, examining popularly studied key plays...

Witchcraft: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the scholarly study of witchcraft, exploring the phenomenon from its earliest definitions in the Middle Ages through to its resonances in the modern world. Through the use of two case studies, this book delves into the emergence of the witch as a harmful figure within western thought and traces the...

World History: The Basics introduces the fast-growing field of world history and addresses key questions such as: What is world history? How do we study a subject with such a broad geographic and chronological range? Why has world history been controversial? World History has rapidly grown to become one of the most popular and talked about approaches to the study...

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 and chronological range? Why has world history been controversial? Written...

World Theatre: The Basics presents a well-rounded introduction to non-Western theatre, exploring the history and current practice of theatrical traditions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the non-English-speaking cultures of the Americas. Featuring a selection of case studies and examples from each region, it helps the reader to understand the key issues surrounding world theatre scholarship...

World Theatre: The Basics presents a well-rounded introduction to non-Western theatre, exploring the history and current practice of theatrical traditions in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the non-English-speaking cultures of the Americas. Featuring a selection of case studies and examples from each region, it helps the reader to understand the key issues surrounding world theatre scholarship...

Now in its third edition, Finance: The Basics is a clear and practical introduction to the world of finance. It thoroughly explains essential financial statements, tools and concepts; fundamental financial instruments and transactions; and global financial participants, markets, and systems. This fully revised third edition captures the most important aspects of a changing financial landscape, including: • Updates on key...

Food Ethics: The Basics is a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the ethical dimensions of the production and consumption of food. It offers an impartial exploration of the most prominent ethical questions relating to food and agriculture including: • Should we eat animals? • Are locally produced foods ethically superior to globally sourced foods? • Do people in affluent nations...

Religion in America: The Basics is a concise introduction to the historical development of religions in the United States. It is an invitation to explore the complex tapestry of religious beliefs and practices that shaped life in North America from the colonial encounters of the fifteenth century to the culture wars of the twenty-first century. Far from a people unified...

This third edition of the bestselling textbook has been fully revised, continuing to provide a concise introduction to the key concepts of semiotics in accessible and jargon-free language. Demystifying what is a complex, highly interdisciplinary field, key questions covered include: What are signs and codes? What can semiotics teach us about representation and reality? What tools does it offer for...

Now in its third edition, Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare's plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood. Updates in this edition include: Ecocritical, queer, presentist and gendered...

Special Educational Needs and Disability: The Basics provides an engaging and comprehensive overview of special educational, and additional support, needs in education contexts in the UK. The third edition of this bestselling publication covers the historical development of special provision and national policy-making, and summarises current and proposed legislation and statutory guidance across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, examining...

The ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, Anthropology: The Basics explains and explores anthropological concepts and themes in a highly readable and easy to follow manner. Making large, complex topics both accessible and enjoyable, Peter Metcalf argues that the issues anthropology deals with are all around us—in magazines, newspapers, and on television. Engaging and immensely...