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.
Terrorism: The Basics
1st Edition
By James Lutz, Brenda Lutz
February 24, 2011
Terrorism: The Basics is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in one of the most discussed, written about and analysed aspects of modern life. Common misconceptions are dispelled as the authors provide clear and jargon-free answers to the big questions: What does terrorism involve? ...
Television Studies: The Basics
1st Edition
By Toby Miller
November 25, 2009
Television Studies: The Basics is a lively introduction to the study of a powerful medium. It examines the major theories and debates surrounding production and reception over the years and considers both the role and future of television. Topics covered include: broadcasting history and ...
Buddhism: The Basics
1st Edition
By Cathy Cantwell
August 27, 2009
Buddhism: The Basics provides a thorough and accessible introduction to a fascinating religion. Examining the historical development of Buddhism and its presence today, this guide covers: principal traditions practices and beliefs ethical guidelines and philosophy religious texts ...
European Union: The Basics
2nd Edition
By Alex Warleigh-Lack
September 23, 2008
Fully updated to include the new Treaty of Lisbon, this is the best short and accessible introduction to the politics of the European Union, written by one of the world's most well-known authorities in the area. Ideal starting reading for students and the general reader, it explains in clear ...
Religion: The Basics
2nd Edition
By Malory Nye
May 08, 2008
From the local to the global level, religion is – more than ever – an important and hotly debated part of modern life in the twenty-first century. From silver rings to ringtones and from clubs to headscarves, we often find the cultural role and discussion of religion in unexpected ways. ...
Jazz: the Basics
1st Edition
By Christopher Meeder
March 10, 2008
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 ...
International Relations: The Basics
1st Edition
By Peter Sutch, Juanita Elias
May 24, 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
July 28, 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 D. Cohen
June 23, 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
January 05, 2006
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 ...
Blues: The Basics
1st Edition
By Dick Weissman
November 18, 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 ...