The Basics
About the Book Series
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.
Classical Mythology: The Basics
2nd Edition
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 ...
Play Directing: The Basics
1st Edition
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 ...
Sex Therapy: The Basics
1st Edition
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 ...
Philosophy of Religion: The Basics
1st Edition
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, ...
Infancy: The Basics
1st Edition
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...
Language Acquisition: The Basics
1st Edition
By Paul Ibbotson
June 29, 2022
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 ...
Air Pollution and Climate Change: The Basics
1st Edition
By John K. Pearson, Richard Derwent
June 27, 2022
This book identifies four key forms of air pollution: indoor, urban, regional and global. It discusses how these four types of pollution are manifest in today’s society and examines the scientific and policy challenges that stand in the way of progress. Written in a style that balances scientific ...
New Religious Movements: The Basics
1st Edition
By Joseph Laycock
June 24, 2022
New Religious Movements: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to the field of New Religious Movements (NRMs). Western culture is currently going through a wave of fascination with “cults”, with numerous documentaries and television series dedicated to describing these groups. Meanwhile...
Environmental and Architectural Psychology: The Basics
1st Edition
By Ian Donald
June 15, 2022
Environmental and Architectural Psychology: The Basics is a jargon-free and accessible introduction to the relationship between people and their natural and built environment. Exploring everything from the effectiveness of open plan offices to how people respond to life-threatening disasters, the ...
Choreography: The Basics
1st Edition
By Jenny Roche, Stephanie Burridge
May 31, 2022
This book provides a comprehensive and concise overview of choreography both as a creative skill and as a field of study, introducing readers to the essential theory and context of choreographic practice. Providing invaluable practical considerations for creating choreography as well as leading ...
Semiotics: The Basics
4th Edition
By Daniel Chandler
May 27, 2022
This fourth edition of the bestselling textbook, now available in print, eBook, and audiobook, has been fully updated, 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...
Film Theory: The Basics
2nd Edition
By Kevin McDonald
May 12, 2022
Fully updated and expanded throughout, this second edition of Film Theory: The Basics provides an accessible introduction to the key theorists, concepts, and debates that have shaped the study of moving images. The book examines film theory from its emergence in the early twentieth century to its ...