The Basics
Knowledge Begins with the Basics.
'A great introduction to each chosen subject.' - The Independent
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 student 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.
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Acting: The Basics
Series: The Basics
A practical and theoretical guide to the world of the professional actor, skilfully combining ideas from a range of practitioners and linking the academy to the industry. It covers key areas such as: the development of modern drama and acting processes over the years the approach and legacy of...
Published March 25th 2010 by Routledge
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American Philosophy: The Basics
Series: The Basics
American Philosophy: The Basics introduces the history of American thought from early Calvinists to the New England Transcendentalists and from contract theory to contemporary African American philosophy. The key question it asks is: what it is that makes American Philosophy unique? This lively and...
Published November 22nd 2012 by Routledge
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Ancient Near East: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Ancient Near East: The Basics surveys the history of the ancient Middle East from the invention of writing to Alexander the Great’s conquest. The book introduces both the physical and intellectual environment of those times, the struggles of state-building and empire construction, and the dissent...
Published June 16th 2013 by Routledge
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Anthropology: The Basics
Series: The Basics
The ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, Anthropology: The Basics explains and explores key anthropological concepts including: what is anthropology? how can we distinguish cultural differences from physical ones? what is culture, anyway? how do...
Published September 7th 2005 by Routledge
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Archaeology: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
This second edition from our successful Basics series presents another chance to delve into this increasingly popular subject. Fully updated, Archaeology: The Basics has been revised to reflect growth in areas such as material culture, human evolution and the political use of the past. Lively...
Published July 22nd 2007 by Routledge
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Art History: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Art History: The Basics is a concise and accessible introduction for the general reader and the undergraduate approaching the history of art for the first time at college or university. It will give you answers to questions like: What is art and art history? What are the main methodologies...
Published November 20th 2007 by Routledge
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Artificial Intelligence: The Basics
Series: The Basics
'if AI is outside your field, or you know something of the subject and would like to know more then Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a brilliant primer.' - Nick Smith, Engineering and Technology Magazine November 2011 Artificial Intelligence: The Basics is a concise and cutting-edge...
Published August 17th 2011 by Routledge
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Bioethics: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Bioethics: The Basics is an introduction to the foundational principles, theories and issues in the study of medical and biological ethics. Readers are introduced to bioethics from the ground up before being invited to consider some of the most controversial but important questions facing us today....
Published May 23rd 2013 by Routledge
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Buddhism: The Basics
Series: The Basics
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...
Published August 26th 2009 by Routledge
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Contemporary Literature: The Basics
Series: The Basics
‘Contemporary Literature’ is among the most popular areas of literary study but it can be a difficult one to define. This book equips readers with the necessary tools to take an analytical and systematic approach to contemporary texts. The author provides answers to some of the critical questions...
Published October 25th 2011 by Routledge
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Criminal Law: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Criminal Law: The Basics is an insightful introduction to the legal aspects of criminal acts, ranging from battery to burglary and harassment to homicide. Starting with an in-depth exploration of the very concept of crime, this book considers such questions as: how should we decide what is...
Published September 27th 2009 by Routledge
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Criminology: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
As crime continues to be a high profile issue troubling politicians, the public and the media alike, the study of criminology has boomed. Providing an international and comparative introduction to the discipline, Criminology: The Basics is an accessible guide to the theoretical and practical...
Published May 23rd 2011 by Routledge
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Dance Studies: The Basics
Series: The Basics
A concise introduction to the study of dance ranging from the practical aspects such as technique and choreography to more theoretical considerations such as aesthetic appreciation and the place of dance in different cultures. This book answers questions such as: Exactly how do we define dance?...
Published November 20th 2011 by Routledge
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Eastern Philosophy: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Eastern Philosophy: The Basics is an essential introduction to major Indian and Chinese philosophies, both past and present. Exploring familiar metaphysical and ethical questions from the perspectives of different Eastern philosophies, including Confucianism, Daoism, and strands of Buddhism and...
Published July 31st 2012 by Routledge
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Economics: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
Now in its second edition, Economics: The Basics provides an engaging and topical introduction to the key issues in contemporary economics. Fully updated to take into account the economic recession, changing patterns in world trade, housing and currency markets, this book covers fundamental issues,...
Published November 8th 2010 by Routledge
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Education: The Basics
Series: The Basics
@text: Everyone knows that education is important, we are confronted daily by discussion of it in the media and by politicians, but how much do we really know about education? Education: The Basics is a lively and engaging introduction to education as an academic subject, taking into account both...
Published June 16th 2011 by Routledge
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Energy: The Basics
Series: The Basics
People rarely stop to think about where the energy they use to power their everyday lives comes from and when they do it is often to ask a worried question: is mankind’s energy usage killing the planet? How do we deal with nuclear waste? What happens when the oil runs out? Energy: The Basics...
To Be Published October 28th 2013 by Routledge
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European Union: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
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...
Published September 22nd 2008 by Routledge
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Evolution: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Evolution: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the history, development and science of the theory of evolution. Beginning pre-Darwin and concluding with the latest research and controversies, readers are introduced to the origins of the idea of evolution, the ways in which it has developed...
Published May 31st 2011 by Routledge
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Film Studies: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
Film Studies: The Basics is a compelling guide to the study of cinema in all its forms. This second edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to take account of recent scholarship, the latest developments in the industry and the explosive impact of new technologies. Core topics covered...
Published July 10th 2013 by Routledge
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Finance: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
First Published in 2011. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company....
Published August 24th 2010 by Routledge
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Free Will: The Basics
Series: The Basics
The question of whether humans are free to make their own decisions has long been debated and it continues to be a controversial topic today. In Free Will: The Basics readers are provided with a clear and accessible introduction to this central but challenging philosophical problem. The questions...
Published December 4th 2012 by Routledge
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Gender: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Gender: The Basics is an engaging introduction which examines the impact of cultural, historical, biological, psychological and economic forces on qualities which have come to be defined as masculine or feminine. Highlighting that there is far more to gender than biological sex, it takes a global...
To Be Published October 24th 2013 by Routledge
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Human Genetics: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure branch of biological science and occasional explanation for exceedingly rare disorders to a field all of its own that affects everyone. Human Genetics: The Basics introduces the key questions and issues in this emerging field, including: The common...
Published September 30th 2010 by Routledge
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Human Geography: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Human Geography: The Basics is a concise introduction to the study of the role that humankind plays in shaping the world around us. Whether it’s environmental concerns, the cities we live in or the globalization of the economy, these are issues which affect us all. This book introduces these topics...
Published April 17th 2012 by Routledge
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International Relations: The Basics
Series: The Basics
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...
Published May 23rd 2007 by Routledge
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Islam: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
Now in its second edition, Islam: The Basics provides an introduction to the Islamic faith, examining the doctrines of the religion, the practises of Muslims and the history and significance of Islam in modern contexts. Key topics covered include: the Qur'an and its teachings the life of...
Published April 20th 2011 by Routledge
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Journalism Studies: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Journalism Studies: The Basics provides an introductory overview of the emerging field of Journalism Studies, discussing key issues and contemporary debates. Drawing on Conboy’s extensive experience in the field, the changing nature of journalism and its future directions are addressed, through...
Published July 2nd 2012 by Routledge
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Judaism: The Basics
Series: The Basics
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...
Published July 27th 2006 by Routledge
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Language: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
What makes human language unique?Do women speak differently from men?Just what is the meaning of "meaning"?Language: The Basics provides a concise introduction to the study of language. Written in an engaging and entertaining style, it encourages the reader to think about the way language works. It...
Published March 17th 1999 by Routledge
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Law: The Basics
Series: The Basics
An engaging introduction to one of the most complex areas of modern life. The book introduces both the main components of the legal system - including judges, juries and law-makers - and key areas of law - contract, civil negligence, and criminal law - to provide the uninitiated with an...
Published June 8th 2011 by Routledge
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Literary Theory: The Basics
3rd Edition
Series: The Basics
This third edition of Hans Bertens’ bestselling book is an essential guide to the often confusing and complicated world of literary theory. Exploring a broad range of topics from Marxist and feminist criticism to postmodernism and new historicism Literary Theory: The Basics covers contemporary...
Published October 8th 2013 by Routledge
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Logic: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Logic: The Basics is a hands-on introduction to the philosophically alive field of logical inquiry. Covering both classical and non-classical theories, it presents some of the core notions of logic such as validity, basic connectives, identity, ‘free logic’ and more. This book: introduces some...
Published March 18th 2010 by Routledge
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Management: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Management: The Basics provides an easy, jargon-free introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of modern management. Using examples ranging from people management at Cadbury and the Enron crisis to the marketing of fried chicken in China, it explains key aspects of management,...
Published May 26th 2004 by Routledge
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Marketing: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
‘…a punchy, stripped-down version of what marketing is all about.’ – The Times Higher Education Supplement If you have a product you’re looking to market, or you’re seeking to learn more about the potential of online marketing, Marketing: The Basics tells you everything you need to know...
Published November 19th 2009 by Routledge
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Media Studies: The Basics
Series: The Basics
There have been seismic shifts in what constitutes (the) media in recent years with technological advances ushering in whole new categories of producers, consumers and modes of delivery. This has been reflected in the way media is studied with new theories, concepts and practices coming to the fore...
Published May 10th 2012 by Routledge
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Philosophy: The Basics
5th Edition
Series: The Basics
‘Philosophy: The Basics deservedly remains the most recommended introduction to philosophy on the market. Warburton is patient, accurate and, above all, clear. There is no better short introduction to philosophy.’ - Stephen Law, author of The Philosophy Gym Philosophy: The Basics gently eases the...
Published October 30th 2012 by Routledge
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Physical Geography: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Physical Geography: The Basics is a concise and engaging introduction to the interactions, systems and processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the physical world around us. This book introduces five key aspects of the study of physical geography: atmosphere, weather and climate systems...
Published April 26th 2011 by Routledge
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Poetry: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
Now in its second edition, Poetry: The Basics demystifies the traditions and forms of the world of poetry for all those who find it daunting or bewildering. Covering a wide range of poetic voices from Chaucer to children's rhymes, song lyrics and the words of contemporary poets, this book will help...
Published February 17th 2011 by Routledge
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Politics: The Basics
4th Edition
Series: The Basics
This highly successful introduction to the world of politics has been fully revised and updated to explore the systems, movements and key issues in modern politics. The new edition builds on the reputation for clarity and comprehensive coverage of the previous editions, and includes: A greater...
Published March 30th 2008 by Routledge
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Public Relations: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Public Relations: The Basics is a highly readable introduction to one of the most exciting and fast-paced media industries. Both the practice and profession of public relations are explored and the focus is on those issues which will be most relevant to those new to the field: The four key...
Published August 13th 2013 by Routledge
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Race and Ethnicity: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Race and ethnicity have shaped the social, cultural and political character of much of the world, and remain an important influence on contemporary life in the 21st Century. Race and Ethnicity: The Basics is an accessible introduction to these potent forces. Topics covered include: The forms and...
Published November 16th 2011 by Routledge
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Religion and Science: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Religion and science are arguably the two most powerful social forces in the world today. But where religion and science were once held to be compatible, most people now perceive them to be in conflict. This unique book provides the best available introduction to the burning debates in this...
Published August 17th 2011 by Routledge
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Religion: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
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....
Published May 7th 2008 by Routledge
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Research Methods: The Basics
Series: The Basics
@text:Research Methods: The Basics is an accessible, user-friendly introduction to the different aspects of research theory, methods and practice. Structured in two parts, the first covering the nature of knowledge and the reasons for research, and the second the specific methods used to carry out...
Published November 14th 2010 by Routledge
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Roman Catholicism: The Basics
Series: The Basics
From the basic ideas and terms, to its structures and practices, this book offers a plain-speaking introduction to Roman Catholicism. It covers: Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions practices and devotional life – rituals, prayer, mass Church structures and authorities – from Vatican to...
Published April 27th 2005 by Routledge
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Semiotics: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
This updated second edition provides a clear and concise introduction to the key concepts of semiotics in accessible and jargon-free language. With a revised introduction and glossary, extended index and suggestions for further reading, this new edition provides an increased number of examples...
Published January 8th 2007 by Routledge
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Shakespeare: The Basics
3rd Edition
Series: The Basics
Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare’s plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across...
Published May 21st 2012 by Routledge
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Social Work: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Social Work: The Basics is an insightful introduction to the often misrepresented world of social work. This accessible book presents a broad view of contemporary social work, exploring its roots and its possible future. It dispels myths surrounding social work, addresses media debates, and offers...
Published June 20th 2012 by Routledge
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Sociology: The Basics
Series: The Basics
A lively, accessible and comprehensive introduction to the diverse ways of thinking about social life, Sociology: The Basics examines: the scope, history and purpose of sociology ways of understanding 'the social' the state of the world we live in today suffering and social inequalities key tools...
Published June 24th 2010 by Routledge
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Special Educational Needs: The Basics
Series: The Basics
@text:Providing an engaging and complete overview Special Educational Needs: The Basics examines the fundamental principles of the subject from policy to practice. This book covers: Concepts of special educational needs The historical development of special provision and key legislation...
Published November 9th 2011 by Routledge
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Stanislavski: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Stanislavski: The Basics is an engaging introduction to the life, thought and impact of Konstantin Stanislavski. Regarded by many as a great innovator of twentieth century theatre, this book examines Stanislavski's: life and the context of his writings major works in English translation...
Published December 18th 2012 by Routledge
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Subcultures: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Subcultures: The Basics is an accessible, engaging introduction to youth cultures in a global context. Blending theory and practice to examine a range of subcultural movements including hip hop in Japan, global graffiti writing crews, heavy metal in Europe and straight edge movements in the USA,...
Published October 8th 2013 by Routledge
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Television Studies: The Basics
Series: The Basics
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...
Published November 24th 2009 by Routledge
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Terrorism: The Basics
Series: The Basics
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?...
Published February 27th 2011 by Routledge
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The Bible: The Basics
Series: The Basics
The Bible: The Basics is a compelling 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 masterly guide skilfully addresses both aspects of the Bible’s...
Published January 24th 2010 by Routledge
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The City: The Basics
Series: The Basics
The City: The Basics provides a brief yet compelling overview of the study of cities and city life. The book draws on a range of perspectives – economic, political, cultural, and environmental aspects are all considered – to provide a broad comparison of the evolution of cities in the rich Global...
Published August 15th 2012 by Routledge
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The Olympics: The Basics
Series: The Basics
The Olympics: The Basics is an accessible, contemporary introduction to the Olympic movement and Games. Chapters explain how the Olympics transcend sports, engaging us with a range of contemporary philosophical, social, cultural and political matters, including: peace development and diplomacy...
Published January 18th 2012 by Routledge
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The Qur'an: The Basics
Series: The Basics
This highly topical introduction to the holy book of Islam includes essential reference resources such as a chronology of the revelation, weblinks and extensive guides to further reading. Exploring the Qur'an's reception through history, its key teachings and its place in contemporary thought and...
Published February 19th 2007 by Routledge
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Theatre Studies: The Basics
2nd Edition
Series: The Basics
Now in a second edition, Theatre Studies: The Basics is a fully updated guide to the wonderful world of theatre. The practical and theoretical dimensions of theatre – from acting to audience – are woven together throughout to provide an integrated introduction to the study of drama, theatre and...
Published July 14th 2013 by Routledge
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Women's Studies: The Basics
Series: The Basics
Women’s Studies: The Basics is an accessible introduction into the ever expanding and increasingly relevant field of studies focused on women. Tracing the history of the discipline from its origins, this text sets out the main agendas of women’s studies and feminism, exploring the global...
Published January 30th 2013 by Routledge
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World History: The Basics
Series: The Basics
World History has rapidly grown to become one of the most popular and talked about approaches to the study of history. World History: The Basics introduces this fast-growing field and addresses key questions such as: What is world history? How do we study a subject with such a broad geographic...
Published November 9th 2010 by Routledge