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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.

277 Series Titles


Genocide: The Basics

Genocide: The Basics

1st Edition

By Paul Bartrop
September 24, 2014

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 ...

Body Studies: The Basics

Body Studies: The Basics

1st Edition

By Niall Richardson, Adam Locks
July 21, 2014

Consideration of the body as a subject for study has increased in recent years with new technologies, forms of modification, debates about obesity and issues of age being brought into focus by the media. Drawing on contemporary culture, Body Studies: The Basics introduces readers to the key ...

Christianity: The Basics

Christianity: The Basics

1st Edition

By Bruce Chilton
July 14, 2014

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 global religions. This book traces the development of Christianity through an exploration of some of the key beliefs, practices and ...

Greek History: The Basics

Greek History: The Basics

1st Edition

By Robin Osborne
May 28, 2014

Greek History: The Basics is a concise and compelling introduction to the study of Ancient Greece 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 covers the key topics, approaches and issues at the heart of Greek History, ...

Global Migration: The Basics

Global Migration: The Basics

1st Edition

By Bernadette Hanlon, Thomas J. Vicino
March 18, 2014

Migration is a politically sensitive topic and an important aspect of contentious debates about social and cultural diversity, economic stability, terrorism, globalization, and nationalism. Global Migration: The Basics examines: history and geography of global migration the role of migrants in ...

Public Relations: The Basics

Public Relations: The Basics

1st Edition

By Ron Smith
October 02, 2013

Public Relations: The Basics is a highly readable introduction to one of the most exciting and fast-paced media industries. Both the practice and profession of public relations are explored and the focus is on those issues which will be most relevant to those new to the field: The four key ...

Theatre Studies: The Basics

Theatre Studies: The Basics

2nd Edition

By Robert Leach
August 28, 2013

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 ...

Ancient Near East: The Basics

Ancient Near East: The Basics

1st Edition

By Daniel C. Snell
July 23, 2013

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 ...

Stanislavski: The Basics

Stanislavski: The Basics

1st Edition

By Rose Whyman
February 06, 2013

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 ...

American Philosophy: The Basics

American Philosophy: The Basics

1st Edition

By Nancy Stanlick
January 14, 2013

American Philosophy: The Basics introduces the history of American thought from early Calvinists to the New England Transcendentalists and from contract theory to contemporary African American philosophy. The key question it asks is: what it is that makes American Philosophy unique? This lively and...

Philosophy: The Basics

Philosophy: The Basics

5th Edition

By Nigel Warburton, Nigel Warburton
December 04, 2012

‘Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.’ - Stephen Law, author of The Philosophy Gym Philosophy: The Basics gently eases the ...

The City: The Basics

The City: The Basics

1st Edition

By Kevin Archer
October 10, 2012

The City: The Basics provides a brief yet compelling overview of the study of cities and city life. The book draws on a range of perspectives – economic, political, cultural, and environmental aspects are all considered – to provide a broad comparison of the evolution of cities in the rich Global ...

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