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This Very Short Introduction looks at Africa's past and reflects on the changing ways it has been imagined and represented. Key themes in current thinking about Africa's history are illustrated with a range of historical examples, drawn from over 5 millennia. Authors: John parker and Richard Rathbone. (184 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

• Concrete histories and stories are used to build a picture of the continent's past and how that past has been interpreted in Africa and beyond.
• The idea of study of 'African history' itself is new, and the authors show why it is still controversial
• Themes include the unity and diversity of African cultures, slavery, religion, colonial conquest etc.
• Questions covered: Who invented the idea of 'Africa'? How is African history pieced together, given such a lack of documentary evidence? How did Africa interact with the world 1,000 years ago?

Contents: 1: The idea of Africa; 2: Africans: diversity and unity; 3: Africa's past: historical sources; 4: Africa in the world; 5: Colonialism in Africa; 6: Imagining the future, rebuilding the past; 7: Memory and forgetting, past and present

Americans have been brought together by conquest, colonialism, the slave trade, territorial acquisition, and voluntary immigration. This book looks at immigration, anti-immigration sentiments, and the motivations and experiences of the migrants themselves. It begins by examining the many legal efforts to curb immigration and to define who is and is not an American, ranging from the Naturalization Law of 1795 to the reform-minded Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which opened the door to millions of newcomers, the vast majority from Asia and Latin America. The book also looks at immigration from the point of view of the farmers and industrial workers, mechanics and domestics, professionals and businessmen who willingly pulled up stakes for the chance of a better life. The book sheds light on the relationships between race and ethnicity in the life of these groups and in the formation of American society, and it stresses the marked continuities across the waves of immigration. Author: David A. Gerber. (176 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

Contents: Introduction. Section One The Law of Immigration and the Legal Construction of Citizenship: Chapter 1: Unregulated Immigration and Its Opponents: from Colonial America to the Mid-Nineteenth Century; Chapter 2: Regulation and Exclusion; Chapter 3: Reform in the Mid- Twentieth Century: Removing Barriers, Debating Consequences. Section Two Emigration and Immigration: From the International Migrants' Perspective: Chapter 4: Mass Population Movements and Resettlement, 1820-1924; Chapter 5: Mass Population Movements and Resettlement, 1970 to the Present: Continuity and Change. Section Three: The Dialogue of Ethnicity and Assimilation: Chapter 6: The Widening Mainstream; Chapter 7: The Future of Assimilation. Conclusion. Further Reading

Contents: 1. The context of American elections and political parties;  2. A brief history of American political parties;  3. Party organizations: What do they look like? What do they do?  4. Who are Republicans? Who are Democrats? Who are the “others”?;  5. Presidential elections: Nominating campåaigns and general elections;  6. Subnational nominations and elections;  7. Far from the perfect democracy;  Notes;  For further reading;  Index.

What is Anglicanism? How is it different from other forms of Christianity, and how did it come to have so many different versions throughout the world? Although originally united by location and a common belief, Anglicanism has gradually lost its pre-eminence as the English state church due to increasing pluralisation and secularisation. There is little sense of unity in Anglicanism today. This Very Short Introduction, highlights the diversity of contemporary Anglicanism by exploring its history, theology, and structures. It reveals what it is that holds Anglicanism together despite the recent crises that threaten to tear it apart. Author: Mark Chapman. (168 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

• Anglicanism is the English state church with more than 70 million followers throughout the world.
• How Anglicanism fits into the broader picture of Christianity. Is it largely Catholic? Or Protestant? Looks at life, worship, and teaching in different churches.
• Takes the reader on an accessible history of the Anglican Church.
• Looks at current controversies, such as homosexuality and women priests, and offers suggestions for the future of Anglicanism.

Contents: 1: What is Anglicanism?; 2: Establishing the Church; 3: Struggles for Identity; 4: The Global Communion; 5: The Future of Anglicanism

Children's literature takes many forms and now includes the latest online games and eBooks. It is related to other areas of literary investigation but also has its own set of concerns. From familiar authors including Beatrix Potter and Roald Dahl, classic books such as Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and The Secret Garden, to modern works including Harry Potter and the Twilight series, thisVery Short Introduction provides an overview of the history of children's literature as it has developed in English, whilst at the same time introducing key debates, developments, and figures in the field. Raising questions about what shape the future of literature for children should take, it shows that writing for children — whether on page or screen — has shaped ideas about culture, society and childhood. Author: Kimberley Reynolds. (160 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

Contents: Introduction: What is children's literature?; 1: An outline history of publishing for children; 2: Why and how are children's books studied?; 3: Transforming the texts of childhood; 4: Genres and generations — and the case of the family story; 5: Visions of the future; 6: Ethical debates in children's literature; Afterword; References; Further Reading

Darwin's theory that our ancestors were apes caused a furore in the scientific world and outside it when The Origin of Species was published in 1859. Arguments still rage about the implications of his evolutionary theory, and scepticism about the value of Darwin's contribution to knowledge is widespread. In this analysis of Darwin's major insights and arguments, Jonathan Howard reasserts the importance of Darwin's work for the development of modern biology. Author: Jonathan Howard. (144 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

• There is a huge interest in Dawin and evolution, and the developments of his ideas are still controversial
• Darwin's theory of evolution revolutionized not only biology, but the world view of ordinary people, by undermining belief in God's creation

Contents: 1: Darwin's life; 2: The foundations of Darwinism; 3: Natural selection and the origin of species; 4: The evidence for evolution by natural selection; 5: Sex, variation, and heredity; 6: Man; 7: Perfection and progress; 8: Darwinism and ideology; 9: Darwin as a scientist: an evaluation; Further Reading

This book is a short account by Bernard Crick of the history of the doctrine and practice of democracy, from ancient Greece and Roman civic republicanism, through the English Civil War and the American, French, and Russian revolutions. He brings in the ideas of key thinkers, such as Rousseau, Hobbes and de Tocqueville. He also looks at the usages and practices associated with it in the modern world — September 11th, New Labour spin-doctoring, even several pages devoted to Big Brother under the heading of populism. Crick argues that democracy is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for good government, and that ideas of the rule of law, and of human rights, should in some situations limit democratic claims. Many people mistakenly use the term 'democracy' when they really mean good government, constitutionalism, respect for rights or liberty.
Level: Gymnasiet etc/Library/Depot/A resource for interdisciplinary projects

Film is considered by some to be the most dominant art form of the twentieth century. In this Very Short Introduction Michael Wood provides a brief history and examination of the nature of the medium of film, considering its role and impact on society as well as its future in the digital age. (152 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Students writing papers

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This slogan, attributed to Voltaire, is frequently quoted by defenders of free speech. Yet it is rare to find anyone prepared to defend all expression in every circumstance, especially if the views expressed incite violence. So where do the limits lie? What is the real value of free speech? Here, Nigel Warburton offers a concise guide to important questions facing modern society about the value and limits of free speech: Where should a civilized society draw the line? Should we be free to offend other people's religion? Are there good grounds for censoring pornography? Has the Internet changed everything? This Very Short Introduction is a thought-provoking, accessible, and up-to-date examination of the liberal assumption that free speech is worth preserving at any cost.

Contents: 1. Free Speech; 2. A Free Market in Ideas?; 3. Giving and Taking Offence; 4. Censoring Pornography; 5. Free Speech in the Age of the Internet; 6. Conclusion: The Future of Free Speech

Global warming is arguably the most critical issue facing the world in the twenty-first century. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise and accessible explanation of the key topics in the debate: looking at the predicted impact of climate change, exploring the political controversies of recent years, and explaining the proposed solutions. This account includes a chapter on local solutions, reflecting the now widely held view that, to mitigate any impending disaster, governments as well as individuals must to act together. Author: Mark Maslin. (216 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

Contents: 1: What Is Global Warming?; 2: A Brief History of the Global Warming Debate; 3: What is the Evidence for Climate Change?; 4: How Do You Model the Future?; 5: What are the Possible Future Impacts?; 6: Surprises; 7: Politics; 8: Solutions; 9: Visions of a Zero-Carbon Future; 10: Conclusion; Further reading; Index.

Globalization has become one of the defining buzzwords of our time — a term that describes a variety of accelerating economic, political, cultural, ideological, and environmental processes that are rapidly altering our experience of the world.  This Very Short Introduction looks at its causes and effects, examines whether it is a new phenomenon, and explores the question of whether globalization is a good or a bad thing. Author: Manfed Steger. (168 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc. 

• Looks beyond simple explanations of globalization as a purely an economic phenomenon
• Shows how globalization reaches into the political, cultural, technological, and ecological spheres.
• Explores the ideological aspects of globalization — looks at political movements for and against
• Examines concepts such as Americanization and McDonaldization 
• Discusses the role of the media and communication technologies
• Looks at environmental issues

Contents: 1: Globalization: a contested concept; 2: Globalization and history: is globalization a new phenomenon?; 3: The economic dimension of globalization; 4: The political dimension of globalization; 5: The cultural dimension of globalization; 6: The ecological dimension of globalization; 7: Ideologies of globalization: market globalism, justice globalism, jihadist globalism; 8: Assessing the future of globalization

Today it is usually not long before a problem gets expressed as a human rights issue. An appeal to human rights in the face of injustice can be a morally justified demand — or it may just be an empty slogan. Focusing on highly topical issues such as torture, arbitrary detention, privacy, health and discrimination, this book will help students to understand for themselves the complexities behind this vital issue. Looking at the philosophical justification for rights, the historical origins of human rights and how they are formed in law, the author explains what our human rights actually are, what they might be, and where the human rights movement is heading. Author: Andrew Clapham (193 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects

Contents: 1. Looking at rights;  2. The historical development of international human rights;  3. Human rights foreign policy and the role of the UN;  4. The international crime of torture;  5. Legitimate restrictions and questions of freedom;  6. Balancing rights — the issue of privacy;  7. Food, education, health, housing and work;  8. Discrimination and equality;  9. The death penalty;  Final remarks;  References;  Further reading;  Annex: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

What is Literary Theory? Is there a relationship between literature and culture? In fact, what is literature, and does it matter? These are the sorts of questions addressed by Jonathan Culler in a book which steers a clear path through a subject which is often perceived to be impenetrable. It offers insights into theories about the nature of language and meaning, whether literature is a form of self-expression or a method of appeal to an audience, and outlines the ideas behind a number of different schools: deconstruction, feminist theory, semiotics, postcolonial theory, and structuralism amongst them.
This new edition takes a look at new material, including the 'death of theory', the links between the theory of narrative and cognitive science, trauma theory, ecocriticism, and includes a new chapter on 'Ethics and aesthetics'. (149 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Inspiration for all teachers of English literature

Contents: 1. What is theory?; 2. What is Literature and Does it Matter?; 3. Literature and Cultural Studies; 4. Language, Meaning, and Interpretation; 5. Rhetoric, Poetics, and Poetry; 6. Narrative; 7. Performative Language; 8. Identity, Identification, and the Subject; Appendix: Theoretical Schools and Movements; References; Further Reading; Index

Multiculturalism has been blamed for undermining national identity, diluting social cohesion, creating ethnic ghettos and cultural fragmentation, providing fertile ground for Islamic radicalism, encouraging perverse 'political correctness', and restricting liberal freedoms of expression! The public debate over multiculturalism is totally polarised. How much real evidence exists for these claims? This Very Short Introduction considers the evidence from social science research to provide a balanced assessment. It warns against an uncritical endorsement of multiculturalism, and concludes that it is time to move on to a form of 'interculturalism'. Author: Ali Rattansi. (200 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

Contents: 1: What is multiculturalism?; 2: Is multiculturalism bad for women?; 3: Is multiculturalism responsible for social disintegration, ghettos and 'parallel lives'?; 4: Ethnic minority integration, class inequality and 'community cohesion'; 5: National identity, belonging and 'the Muslim question'; 6: Moving on: multiculturalism, interculturalism and transnationalism in a new global era; References; Further Reading.

“A Very Short Introduction”. A good chronological introduction to the development and present status of the Northern Ireland. Accessible to good students.

Contents: Divided Ulster – from Plant-ation to Partition; Home Rule in Ulster – Stormont's Record; Life Cheapens – The Descent into War; The Long War; The Long "Peace". (172 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Students writing papers

From subtle discrimination in everyday life and scandals in politics, to incidents like lynchings in the American South, cultural imperialism, and 'ethnic cleansing', racism exists in many different forms, in almost every facet of society. But what actually is race? How has racism come to be so firmly established? Why do so few people actually admit to being racist? How are race, ethnicity, and xenophobia related? Racism: A Very Short Introduction incorporates the latest research to demystify the subject of racism and explore its history, science, and culture. It sheds light not only on how racism has evolved since its earliest beginnings, but also explores the numerous forms of racism, highlighting the paradox of its survival, despite the scientific discrediting of the notion of 'race' with the latest advances in genetics. (194 pages) Author: Ali Rattansi.

Contents: Introduction; 1. Racism and racists: some conundrums; 2. Fear of the dark? : blacks, Jews and barbarians; 3. Beyond the pale: scientific racism, the nation and the politics of colour; 4. Imperialism, eugenics and the Holocaust; 5. The case against scientific racism; 6. New racisms?; 7. Racist identities: ambivalence, contradiction and commitment; 8. Beyond institutional racism: 'race', class and gender in the USA and Britain; Conclusions: prospects for a post-racial future; References; Further Reading

It's hard to think of a single aspect of American culture, past or present, in which religion has not played a major role. The roles religion plays, moreover, become more bewilderingly complex and diverse every day. For all those who want a fuller understanding of the current reality of religion in America, this Very Short Introduction is the book they need. Timothy Beal describes many aspects of religion in contemporary America that are typically ignored in other books on the subject, including religion in popular culture and counter-cultural groups; the growing phenomenon of "hybrid" religious identities, both individual and collective; the expanding numbers of new religious movements, or NRMs, in America; and interesting examples of "outsider religion," such as Paradise Gardens in Georgia and the People Love People House of God in Ohio. He also offers an overview of the history of religion in America, from Native American traditions to the present day. Beal sees three major forces shaping the present and future of religion in America: first, unprecedented religious diversity, which will continue to grow; second, the information revolution and the emergence of a new network society; and third, the rise of consumer culture. These forces offer the potential to create a new American pluralism that would enrich society ... but also also threaten the great ideal of e pluribus unum.

Contents: Local landscapes: exploring the neighborhood — The big picture: religion in America by the numbers, and then some — Looking back: uneasy inheritances — Looking ahead: forces of change — To coin a phrase: e pluribus unum as ideal and dilemma. 

The Renaissance is one of the defining moments in world history. Between 1400 and 1600, European perceptions of society, culture, politics and even humanity itself emerged in ways that continue to affect not only Europe but the entire world. This book sees the period as a time of unprecedented intellectual excitement and cultural experimentation and interaction on a global scale, alongside a darker side of religion, intolerance, slavery, and massive inequality of wealth and status. It guides the reader through the key issues that defined the period, from its art, architecture, and literature, to advancements in the fields of science, trade, and travel. The book argues that Europe's reciprocal relationship with its eastern neighbours offers us a perspective on the Renaissance that still has much to teach us. Author: Jerry Brotton. (160 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

• Clear account of the Renaissance as a global phenomenon.
• Disputes the view of a single Renaissance — proposing that this was a vibrant cultural period when western and eastern cultures mixed to mutual benefit.
• Considers the Renaissance in terms of both science and the arts.
• Offers a new view of the role of the East in the development of Europe's Renaissance.
• Argues that there are parallels between the Renaissance and our own era.

Contents: Introduction; 1: A global Renaissance; 2: The humanist script; 3: Church and state; 4: Brave New Worlds; 5: Science and Philosophy; 6: Rewriting the Renaissance Timeline; Further Reading

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 literature but music, art, religion, and philosophy. It sheds light on such subjects as the Sensibility movement, which preceded Romanticism; the rising prestige of the poet as inspired prophet; the suffering and neglect of the poet; the rather different figure of the poetess; Romanticism as a religious trend; Romantic philosophy and science; and Romantic responses to the French Revolution, the Orient, gypsies, and the condition of women. Ferber offers a definition and several general propositions about this movement, as well as a discussion of the word "Romantic" and where it came from.

The debate between science and religion is never out of the news: emotions run high, fuelled by polemical bestsellers like The God Delusion and, at the other end of the spectrum, high-profile campaigns to teach Intelligent Design in schools. But, as Thomas Dixon shows, many have seen harmony rather than conflict between faith and science. He explores not only the key philosophical questions that underlie the debate, but also the social, political, and ethical contexts that have made 'science and religion' such a fraught topic in the modern world, offering perspectives from non-Christian religions and examples from across the physical, biological, and social sciences. Along the way, he examines landmark historical episodes such as the trial of Galileo by the Inquisition in 1633, and the famous debate between 'Darwin's bulldog' Thomas Huxley and Bishop Wilberforce in Oxford in 1860.The Scopes 'Monkey Trial' in Tennessee in 1925 and the Dover Area School Board case of 2005 are explained with reference to the interaction between religion, law, and education in modern America.

Contents: 1. What are science-religion debates really about?; 2. Galileo and the philosophy of science; 3. Does God act in nature?; 4. Darwin and evolution; 5. Creationism and Intelligent Design; 6. Mind and morality; References and Further Reading

It has also been argued that science fiction narratives are the most engaged, socially relevant, and responsive to the modern technological environment. This Very Short Introduction ties examples of science fiction to different historical moments, in order to demonstrate how science fiction has evolved over time. It looks not only at literature, but also at drama and poetry, as well as film. Examining recurrent themes in science fiction it looks at voyages into space, the concept of the alien and alternative social identities, the role of technology in science fiction, and its relation to time — in the past, present, and future. Author: David Seed. (160 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Interdisciplinary projects etc.

Contents: Introduction; 1: Voyages into space; 2: Alien encounters; 3: Science fiction and technology; 4: Utopias and dystopias; 5: Fictions of time; 6: The field of science fiction

A whistle-stop tour through the history of Scotland's politics, religion, education, economy and culture:
Since Devolution in 1999 Scotland has become a focus of intense interest both within Britain and throughout the wider world. In this Very Short Introduction, Rab Houston explores how an independent Scottish nation emerged in the Middle Ages, how it was irrevocably altered by the Reformation, links with England and economic change, and how Scotland influenced the development of the modern world. Examining politics, law, society, religion, education, migration, and culture, he looks at how the nation's history has made it distinct from England, both before and after Union; how it overcame internal tensions between Highland and Lowland society; and how it has today arrived at a political, social and culture watershed. Ranging widely over issues of environment, people, and identity, this is Scotland's story without myths.

Contents: Introduction; 1. Politics and Government; 2. Religion; 3. Education; 4. Society; 5. Economy and Environment; 6. Scotland and the Wider World; 7. Culture; Conclusions

Is one person's terrorist another's freedom fighter? Is terrorism crime or war? Can there be a 'War on Terror'? For many, the terrorist attacks of September 2001 changed the face of the world, pushing terrorism to the top of many political agendas, and leading to a series of world events including the war in Iraq and the invasion of Afghanistan. This book unravels a series of complex questions, including 'Are terrorists criminals?', 'How far does media publicity sustain terrorism?', and 'What can be done about it?' Fully updated for 2011, it examines the historical, ideological, and local roots of terrorist violence. It explores terrorism in relation to revolutionary power, nationalism, and religious extremism, considering the successes of specific terrorist and anti-terrorist campaigns in the distant past, and in recent years.

Contents: The Trouble with Terrorism; State and Terror; Revolutionary Terrorism; Nationalism and Terror; Religion and Terror; Counterterrorism and Democracy. (176 pages)
Level: Library/Depot/Students writing papers