Simon Blackburn tackles the major moral questions surrounding birth, death, happiness, desire, and freedom, and considers how we should think about th

What makes the modern world work? The answer to this deceptively simple question lies in four "grand transitions" of civilization-in populations, agri

This book is about the reshaping of women's lives, loves and dreams. It tells the story of how expectations and emotional landscapes have shifted sin

The story of how book piracy in pre-Revolutionary France expanded the reach of the works that would inspire momentous change.

Critics, Compilers, and Commentators is the first comprehensive introduction to Roman philology-the study of Latin language and Latin texts. It explai

A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel-driv

Jenny Hartley introduces Charles Dickens's life and works, looking at the vitality of his characters and the energy which surges through his writing.

Throughout history plague has caused some of the greatest periods of hardship for humanity, from the Black Death to the Great Plague of London. This b

Coverage goes beyond the traditional themes of politics, diplomacy and war to encompass the full spectrum of social, cultural and scientific developme

Learning Legal Rules introduces law students to the techniques of legal analysis and argument, equipping them with the knowledge and reasoning skills

"Personal memoir meets television history in a look back at how TV has changed, and how it has also changed us, over the past seven decades"--

Nicholas Cook explores the nature of music, how we think about it, its social and cultural dimensions, and its history. He discusses the many musical

This is the extraordinary story of the British plot in the summer of 1918 to overthrow the Bolshevik government in Russia, murder the Bolshevik leader

A thoughtful look at immigration, anti-immigration sentiments, and the motivations and experiences of the migrants themselves, this updated book offer

James Naremore introduces film noir, highlighting key themes, films, and styles, and exploring why the genre is so difficult to categorize. First asso

Pilgrimage is found in most religious cultures, from Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and India, to France, Spain, and Japan. In this Very Short Introduction Ian

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive exploration into the art and craft of directing for film and television. It's filled wi

Recounts the events of the year 63 B C E when a disgruntled nobleman, L Sergius Catilina, after two electoral defeats, made himself the leader of a gr

A core text for first- and second-year religion and popular culture courses that focuses on examining and applying theories to the interactions betwee