Very Short Introductions

The perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly


The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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World Mythology
9780197548264
$23.95
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World Mythology

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  • Analyses a wide variety of myths drawn from a broad range of cultures, bringing them together in a way not done previously in other works
  • Offers lively retellings of stories that entertain as well as teach
  • Provides analysis of myths geared to both academic and general audiences
Globalization
9780198714736
$18.95
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Globalization

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  • Explore the profound impacts of globalization in this concise introduction
  • Manfred B. Steger defines key terms and delves into its historical context and major dimensions
  • Examine the ongoing debate over whether globalization is ultimately beneficial or detrimental, considering recent global events and challenges
Vatican II
9780198864813
$19.95
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Vatican II

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  • An in-depth exploration of the profound impact of Vatican II (1962-1965) on the Catholic Church
  • Highlights how Vatican II's sixteen influential documents continue to shape various aspects of Catholic life and theology
  • Offers insight while providing historical context from the 1960s and firsthand accounts
Evil
9780198819271
$19.95
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Evil

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  • Explore the concept of evil in this concise introduction
  • Delve into philosophical perspectives on evil, from its existence to its role in secular morality
  • Contemplate whether evil is always horrific, the psychology of evildoers, and the nuances of this complex concept
Human Resource Management
9780198714736
$19.95
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Human Resource Management

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  • Adrian Wilkinson explores the historical development of human resource management, shaped by political, legal, and economic changes
  • Discover how HRM evolved from campaigns for worker welfare to a complex discipline, adapting to globalization and new challenges
  • Gain insights into the diverse landscape of HRM practices and its role in modern organizations
Refugees
9780198811787
$19.95
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Refugees

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  • Delve into the challenges of contemporary refugees and forced migrants worldwide
  • Explore the causes and impacts of the crisis on nations, global order, and the affected individuals
  • Understand the historical context and international responses, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to present and future challenges
International Relations
9780198850212
$19.95
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International Relations

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  • Within this concise introduction, discover how international relations affect security, economics, rights, and the global environment
  • Demystify complex theories and explore the transformation of political authority on a global scale, shaped by diverse social forces
  • Gain insights into the future of international relations amid profound global change
Forensic Science
9780198834410
$19.95
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Forensic Science

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  • Explore forensic science with Jim Fraser's concise intro
  • Learn from high-profile cases like Rachel Nickell's murder and Jill Dando's unsolved case
  • Discover the impact of DNA profiling, fingerprinting, and global challenges in the field
Renewable Energy
9780198825401
$19.95
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Renewable Energy

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  • Explore the importance of renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower
  • Uncover challenges and opportunities in integrating them, with focus on the book's content
  • Gain insights into global efforts, innovations, and benefits of sustainable energy transition
Marine Biology
9780198841715
$19.95
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Marine Biology

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  • Dive into the world's oceans, where marine biologist Philip Mladenov provides an accessible tour of marine life and human impacts
  • Explore the book's urgent message of sustainable practices and its vision for the oceans' future in 2050
  • the official 2020 English exam paper with 2 additional annotated sample essays with marking advice for each text
  • Discover the vital role of oceans in oxygen production, climate stability, and food provision
Art History
9780198831808
$19.95
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Art History

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  • The study of art history encompasses the history and evolution of painting, sculpture, and other visual arts
  • Explore the distinctiveness of art history and its social aspects like Feminist and Queer Art History
  • Learn about writing, presenting, reading, and looking at art, including global perspectives and art's unique ability to convey history
The French Revolution
9780198840077
$19.95
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The French Revolution

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  • Delve into the tumultuous era of the French Revolution, marked by the end of monarchy and the rise of Napoleon
  • Discover the Revolution's enduring impact, including the ideology of human rights and decimalisation
  • William Doyle provides insights into the collapse of the old regime, the emergence of the Terror, and the revolution's far-reaching consequences
Waves
9780198803782
$21.95
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Waves

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  • Discusses waves of all kind, including light waves, sound waves, seismic waves, and the now clearly detected gravitational waves
  • Explores the features which all waves have in common
  • Explains the importance of understanding wave behaviour, and its wide applications
  • Part of the Very Short Introduction series - over nine million copies sold worldwide
Philosophy of Science
9780198745587
$19.95
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Philosophy of Science

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  • Samir Okasha's Very Short Introduction explores the philosophy of science
  • Dive into questions about the objectivity of scientific knowledge and the nature of science
  • From the history of science to modern ethical dilemmas, uncover key themes and theories in contemporary philosophy of science
Literary Theory
9780199691340
$19.95
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Literary Theory

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  • Explores literary theory, tackling its controversial nature and impact on culture and society
  • Explains key 'moves' in theory, addressing its implications for literature, human identity, and the power of language
  • Delves into modern themes, including the 'death of theory,' narrative theory's link to cognitive science, trauma theory, ecocriticism, and ethics and aesthetics
The Renaissance
9780192801630
$19.95
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The Renaissance

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  • Explore the Renaissance, a period of intellectual excitement and cultural experimentation
  • Delve into art, architecture, literature, science, trade, and global interactions
  • Gain insights into both the bright and dark sides, including religion, intolerance, and inequality of wealth, in this defining era of world history
Russian Revolution
9780192853950
$19.95
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Russian Revolution

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  • Provides an analytical narrative of the main events and developments in Soviet Russia between 1917 and 1936
  • Examines the impact of the revolution on society as a whole-on different classes, ethnic groups, the army, men and women and youth
  • Explores how one structure of domination was replaced by another