Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction (Davis Stephen J.)(Paperback)

Monasticism: A Very Short Introduction (Davis Stephen J.)(Paperback)

Monasticism is a social and religious phenomenon which originated in antiquity and which still remains relevant in the twenty-first century. But what, exactly, is it, and how is it distinguished from other kinds of religious and non-religious practice? In this Very Short Introduction Stephen J

Magnetism: A Very Short Introduction (Blundell Stephen J.)(Paperback)

In this Very Short Introduction, Stephen J. Blundell illuminates the mysterious force of magnetism. For centuries, magnetism has been used for various purposes--through compasses it gave us the ability to navigate, and through motors, generators, and turbines, it has given us power. Blundell

The Soviet Union: A Very Short Introduction (Lovell Stephen)(Paperback)

Superconductivity: A Very Short Introduction (Blundell Stephen J.)(Paperback)

Superconductivity--the flow of electric current without resistance in certain materials as temperatures near absolute zero--is one of the greatest discoveries of 20th century physics, but it can seem impenetrable to those who lack a solid scientific background. Outlining the fascinating history of

Napoleon: A Very Short Introduction: A Very Short Introduction (Bell David A.)(Paperback)

This Very Short Introduction might prove disappointing to those expecting an introduction to a very short man. Dispelling the myth of Napoleon Bonaparte's short stature, as well as the other rumors and legends, David A. Bell provides a concise, accurate, and lively portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte's

Environmental Economics (Smith Stephen)(Paperback)

In this Very Short Introduction, Stephen Smith shows how the field of environmental economics looks at how economic activity and policy can affect the environment in which we live. The book discusses environmental issues including pollution control, reducing environmental damage, global climate

The Cold War: A Very Short Introduction (McMahon Robert J.)(Paperback)

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring The Cold War dominated international life from the end of World War II to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. But how did the conflict begin? Why did it move from its initial origins in Postwar Europe to encompass virtually every corner of

Australia: A Very Short Introduction (Morgan Kenneth)(Paperback)

In this Very Short Introduction, Kenneth Morgan provides a wide-ranging thematic introduction to modern Australia, examining the main features of its history, geography and culture since the beginning of European settlement in New South Wales in 1788. It highlights the distinctive features of

The Brain: A Very Short Introduction (O'Shea Michael)(Paperback)

The Brain: A Very Short Introduction provides a non-technical introduction to the main issues and findings in current brain research and gives a sense of how neuroscience addresses questions about the relationship between the brain and the mind. Short, clear discussions on the mechanical workings

Nuclear Physics: A Very Short Introduction (Close Frank)(Paperback)

Nuclear physics began long before the identification of fundamental particles, with J. J. Thomson's discovery of the electron at the end of the 19th century, which implied the existence of a positive charge in the atom to make it neutral. In this Very Short Introduction Frank Close gives an account

Mathematical Finance: A Very Short Introduction (Davis Mark H. a.)(Paperback)

In recent years the finance industry has mushroomed to become an important part of modern economies, and many science and engineering graduates have joined the industry as quantitative analysts, with mathematical and computational skills that are needed to solve complex problems of asset valuation

Metaphysics: A Very Short Introduction (Mumford Stephen)(Paperback)

Metaphysics is traditionally one of the four main branches of philosophy, alongside ethics, logic and epistemology. It is an area that continues to attract and fascinate many people, even though it is generally thought to be highly complex and abstract. For some it is associated with the mystical

Taxation: A Very Short Introduction (Smith Stephen)(Paperback)

Taxation is crucial to the functioning of the modern state. Tax revenues pay for public services - roads, the courts, defence, welfare assistance to the poor and elderly, and in many countries much of health care and education too. More than one third of national income in the industrialized (OECD)

Objectivity: A Very Short Introduction (Gaukroger Stephen)(Paperback)

Is objectivity possible? Can there be objectivity in matters of morals? What would a truly objective account of the world be like? Is everything subjective, or relative? Are moral judgments objective or culturally relative? This Very Short Introduction demonstrates that there are a number of common

Politics: A Very Short Introduction (Minogue Kenneth)(Paperback)

In A Very Short Introduction to Politics, Kenneth Minogue begins with a discussion of issues arising from a historical account of politics, and goes on to offer chapters dealing with the Ancient Greeks and the idea of citizenship; Roman law; medieval Christianity and individualism; freedom since

Political Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Miller David)(Paperback)

This Very Short Introduction introduces readers to the key concepts of political philosophy: authority, democracy, freedom and its limits, justice, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationality. Accessibly written and assuming no previous knowledge of the subject, it encourages the reader to think

Climate: A Very Short Introduction (Maslin Mark)(Paperback)

Perception: A Very Short Introduction (Rogers Brian)(Paperback)

Biography: A Very Short Introduction (Lee Hermione)(Paperback)

Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction (Blackmore Susan)(Paperback)

French Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction (Gaukroger Stephen)(Paperback)

French culture is unique in that philosophy has played a significant role from the early-modern period onwards, intimately associated with political, religious, and literary debates, as well as with epistemological and scientific ones. While Latin was the language of learning there was auniversal

Languages: A Very Short Introduction (Anderson Stephen)(Paperback)

How many languages are there? Are new languages still being discovered? Why are so many languages disappearing? In this Very Short Introduction, eminent linguist Stephen Anderson addresses such questions as he illuminates the science behind languages. Considering a wide range of different languages

Work: A Very Short Introduction (Fineman Stephen)(Paperback)

The image of a job captures our imagination from an early age, usually prompted by the question 'What do you want to be when you grow up?'. Work -- paid, unpaid, voluntary, or obligatory -- is woven into the fabric of all human societies. For many of us, it becomes part of our identity. For others

Romanticism: A Very Short Introduction (Ferber Michael)(Paperback)

In this Very Short Introduction, Michael Ferber explores Romanticism during the period of its incubation, birth, and growth, covering the years roughly from 1760 to 1860. This is the only introduction to Romanticism that incorporates not only the English but the Continental movements, and not only