The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Jackson Ashley)(Paperback)

The British Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Jackson Ashley)(Paperback)

From the eighteenth century until the 1950s, the British Empire was the largest and most far-flung political entity in the world, holding sway at one time over one fifth of the world's population. The territories forming this colossus ranged from tiny islands to vast segments of the world's major

The Habsburg Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Rady Martyn)(Paperback)

The Habsburgs are the most famous dynasty in continental Europe. From the thirteenth to the twentieth centuries, they ruled much of Central Europe, and for two centuries were also rulers of Spain. Through the Spanish connection, they acquired lands around the Mediterranean and a chunk of the New

The Tudors: A Very Short Introduction (Guy John)(Paperback)

The monarchs of the Tudor period are among some of the most well-known figures in British history. John Guy presents a compelling and fascinating exploration of the Tudors in the new edition of this Very Short Introduction. Looking at all aspects of the period, from beginning to end, he considers

Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction: A Very Short Introduction (de Lazari-Radek Katarzyna)(Paperback)

Utilitarianism may well be the most influential secular ethical theory in the world today. It is also one of the most controversial. It clashes, or is widely thought to clash, with many conventional moral views, and with human rights when they are seen as inviolable. Would it, for example, be right

Witchcraft: A Very Short Introduction (Gaskill Malcolm)(Paperback)

Coral Reefs: A Very Short Introduction (Sheppard Charles)(Paperback)

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Coral reefs are among the most beautiful, and most diverse, of ecosystems. Early seafarers were wary of them, naturalists were confused by them, yet many coastal people benefited greatly from these mysterious rocky structures that grew up to the

Byzantium: A Very Short Introduction (Sarris Peter)(Paperback)

After surviving the fifth century fall of the Western European Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire flourished as one of the most powerful economic, cultural, and military forces in Europe for a thousand years. In this Very Short Introduction Peter Sarris introduces the reader to the unique fusion of

Ancient Assyria: A Very Short Introduction (Radner Karen)(Paperback)

Assyria was one of the most influential kingdoms of the Ancient Near East. In this Very Short Introduction, Karen Radner sketches the history of Assyria from city state to empire, from the early 2nd millennium BC to the end of the 7th century BC. Since the archaeological rediscovery of Assyria in

Crime Fiction: A Very Short Introduction (Bradford Richard)(Paperback)

Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction (Polkinghorne John)(Paperback)

Jung: A Very Short Introduction (Stevens Anthony)(Paperback)

This is the most lucid and timely introduction to the thought of Carl Gustav Jung available to date. Though he was a prolific writer and an original thinker of vast erudition, Jung lacked a gift for clear exposition, and his ideas are less widely appreciated than they deserve to be. Now, in this

The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Kelly Christopher)(Paperback)

The Roman Empire was a remarkable achievement. It had a population of sixty million people spread across lands encircling the Mediterranean and stretching from northern England to the sun-baked banks of the Euphrates, and from the Rhine to the North African coast. It was, above all else, an empire

The American Revolution: A Very Short Introduction (Allison Robert J.)(Paperback)

Here is a brisk, accessible, and vivid introduction to arguably the most important event in the history of the United States--the American Revolution. Between 1760 and 1800, the American people cast off British rule to create a new nation and a radically new form of government based on the idea

A Short Introduction to Psychoanalysis (Milton Jane)(Paperback)

A Short Introduction to Psychoanalysis offers a user-friendly introduction to arguably the most misunderstood of all the psychological therapies. This fully updated and revised Second Edition explains what psychoanalysis really is and provides the reader with an overview of its basic concepts,

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

The Holy Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Whaley Joachim)(Paperback)

Voltaire's description of the Holy Roman Empire as 'neither holy, nor Roman, nor an empire' is often cited to underline its worthlessness. German historians traditionally despised it because it had allegedly impeded German unification. Since 1945 scholars have been more positive but the empire's

Empire: A Very Short Introduction (Howe Stephen)(Paperback)

A great deal of the world's history is the history of empires. Indeed it could be said that all history is colonial history, if one takes a broad enough definition and goes far enough back. And although the great historic imperial systems--the land-based Russian one as well as the seaborne empires

British Politics: A Very Short Introduction (Wright Tony)(Paperback)

At a time when politics in Britain is experiencing unprecedented turmoil, this Very Short Introduction examines the past, present, and possible future of British politics. Tony Wright puts current events into a longer and larger perspective, ranging from political ideas to political institutions,

The Vikings: A Very Short Introduction (Richards Julian D.)(Paperback)

The Viking reputation is one of bloodthirsty seafaring warriors, repeatedly plundering the British Isles and the North Atlantic throughout the early Middle Ages. Yet Vikings were also traders, settlers, and farmers, with a complex artistic and linguistic culture, whose expansion overseas led them

Pentecostalism: A Very Short Introduction (Kay William K.)(Paperback)

Pentecostalism is arguably the most vibrant and rapidly growing religious movement of the 20th century, circling the globe in less than 25 years. Characterized by speaking in tongues, miracles, television evangelism, and megachurches, it is also known for its small-group meetings, empowerment of

Branding: A Very Short Introduction (Jones Robert)(Paperback)

Branding is possibly the most powerful commercial and cultural force on the planet. Iconic names such as Coca-Cola, Nike, Manchester United, Harry Potter, and Google are known and recognized by millions of people worldwide. As the market economy spreads across the world, brands are becoming ever

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

Kant: A Very Short Introduction (Scruton Roger)(Paperback)

Immanuel Kant is arguably the most influential modern philosopher, but is also one of the most difficult. In this illuminating Very Short Introduction, Roger Scruton--a well-known and controversial philosopher in his own right--tackles his exceptionally complex subject with a strong hand, exploring

The Antarctic: A Very Short Introduction (Dodds Klaus)(Paperback)

The Antarctic is one the most hostile natural environments in the world, an extraordinary physical space which changes significantly in shape and size with the passing of the seasons. In this Very Short Introduction, Klaus Dodds provides an up-to-date account of Antarctica, highlighting the main