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.
International Relations: The Basics
1st Edition
By Peter Sutch, Juanita Elias
July 16, 2007
International Relations 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 ...
Judaism: The Basics
1st Edition
By Jacob Neusner
September 19, 2006
The oldest of the world’s major faiths, Judaism as practiced today represents a tradition that goes back nearly 6,000 years. Accessible and wide-ranging, Judaism: The Basics is a must-have resource covering the stories, beliefs and expressions of that tradition. Key topics covered include: the ...
Folk Music: The Basics
1st Edition
By Ronald Cohen
May 08, 2006
Folk Music: The Basics gives a brief introduction to British and American folk music. Drawing upon the most recent and relevant scholarship, it will focus on comparing and contrasting the historical nature of the three aspects of understanding folk music: traditional, local performers; professional...
Opera: The Basics
1st Edition
By Denise Gallo
November 22, 2005
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 ...
Anthropology: The Basics
1st Edition
By Peter Metcalf, Peter Metcalf
October 03, 2005
The ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, Anthropology: The Basics explains and explores key anthropological concepts including: what is anthropology? how can we distinguish cultural differences from physical ones? what is culture, anyway? how do ...
Blues: The Basics
1st Edition
By Dick Weissman
October 26, 2004
Blues: The Basics offers a concise introduction to a century of the blues. Organized chronologically, it focuses on the major eras in the growth and development of this popular musical style. Material includes: a definition of the blues and the major genres within it key artists such as Ma ...
Language: The Basics
2nd Edition
By R.L. Trask
June 23, 2004
What makes human language unique?Do women speak differently from men?Just what is the meaning of "meaning"?Language: The Basics provides a concise introduction to the study of language. Written in an engaging and entertaining style, it encourages the reader to think about the way language works. It...