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.
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
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
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
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
1st Edition
By Nancy A. 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
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
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 ...
Journalism Studies: The Basics
1st Edition
By Martin Conboy
August 13, 2012
Journalism Studies: The Basics provides an introductory overview of the emerging field of Journalism Studies, discussing key issues and contemporary debates. Drawing on Conboy’s extensive experience in the field, the changing nature of journalism and its future directions are addressed, through ...
Human Geography: The Basics
1st Edition
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...
The Olympics: The Basics
1st Edition
By Andy Miah, Beatriz Garcia
March 09, 2012
The Olympics: The Basics is an accessible, contemporary introduction to the Olympic movement and Games. Chapters explain how the Olympics transcend sports, engaging us with a range of contemporary philosophical, social, cultural and political matters, including: peace development and diplomacy ...
Race and Ethnicity: The Basics
1st Edition
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 ...
Dance Studies: The Basics
1st Edition
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? ...