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.
By Tony Hall
September 25, 2019
The planning of urban and rural areas requires thinking about where people will live, work, play, study, shop and how they will get about the place, and to devise strategies for long time periods. Town Planning: The Basics provides a general introduction to the components of urban areas, including ...
By Jacqueline Tasioulas
August 19, 2019
Chaucer: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the works of Geoffrey Chaucer. It provides a clear critical analysis of the texts, while also providing some necessary background to key medieval ideas and the historical period in which he lived. Jacqueline Tasioulas gives a brief account of ...
By Paul Bartrop
July 19, 2019
The Holocaust: The Basics is a concise introduction to the study of this seismic event in mid twentieth-century human history. The book takes an original approach as both a narrative and thematic introduction to the topic, and provides a core foundation for readers embarking upon their own study.&...
By Michael Hammond, Jerry Wellington
June 24, 2019
Concise, engaging and accessible, Education Research: The Basics discusses key ideas about the nature and purpose of education research: what it can and cannot achieve, how it has been used in the past and where and how it has an impact. Providing crucial insight into the work of education ...
By Ilias Basioudis
March 18, 2019
Understanding the basics of financial accounting can be a tricky task to master. This practical guidebook provides an overview of the fundamental principles in a jargon-free and simple format. Financial Accounting: The Basics provides concise overviews of the key financial accounting ...
By Bonnie G. Smith
March 18, 2019
Women’s Studies: The Basics is an accessible introduction to the pathbreaking and cross-disciplinary study of women—past and present. Tracing the history of the field from its origins, this revised and updated text sets out the main topics making up the discipline, exploring its global development ...
By John Barton
December 18, 2018
The Bible: The Basics is an accessible and engaging introduction to the Bible as both a sacred text, central to the faith of millions, and a classic work of Western literature, containing a tapestry of genres, voices, perspectives, and images. This guide skilfully addresses both aspects of the ...
By Michael Brady
December 13, 2018
While human beings might be rational animals, they are emotional animals as well. Emotions play a central role in all areas of our lives and if we are to have a proper understanding of human life and activity, we ought to have a good grasp of the emotions. Michael S. Brady structures Emotion: The ...
By John Charvet
December 03, 2018
Liberalism: The Basics is an engaging and accessible introduction to liberalism. The author provides a comprehensive overview of liberal practices, liberal values and critically analyses liberal theories, allowing for a richer understanding of liberalism as a whole. The book is divided into three ...
By Ruth Williams
November 29, 2018
C. G. Jung: The Basics is an accessible, concise introduction to the life and ideas of C. G. Jung for readers of all backgrounds, from those new to Jung’s work to those looking for a convenient reference. Ruth Williams eloquently and succinctly introduces the key concepts of Jungian theory and ...
By Dan Zahavi
October 24, 2018
Phenomenology: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to one of the dominant philosophical movements of the 20th century. This lively and lucid book provides an introduction to the essential phenomenological concepts that are crucial for understanding great thinkers such as Husserl, ...
By Daniel Frings
October 12, 2018
Social psychology explores some of the most important questions we face as people: how do we create and understand the social self? How does our 'social mind' influence the volition and content of thoughts and behaviour? How do we relate to other individuals and groups and the myriad forms and...