Anyone here familiar with Oxford's "A Brief Introduction to [blank]" series?

[Adsos Letter]

Over 300 titles in this series. :D


From their site:

Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/series/VeryShortIntroductions/?view=usa


I just received 6 of them:

Fascism: A Very Short Introduction

The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction

Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction

The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction

Relativity: A Very Short Introduction

Molecules: A Very Short Introduction

I'm sure the authors interpretations are reflected in those non-scientific subjects; I haven't had a chance to read any of them yet, but an author search might help identify potential bias.

Amazon generally has many of these titles, usually for between $5--$6 bucks; their independent sellers have used copies, often at greatly reduced prices.

Seems like a good source for those on DU who want to get a bit more familiarity with some of the subjects often addressed here.

[ZombieHorde]

1. The series sounds really interesting.

You post a review after you have read some of them.

[Adsos Letter]

2. Will do. I'll probably start with one of the scientific titles.

My major was History, and my science education needs some serious filling out. I should be able to offer at least some idea of how comprehensible they make those subjects.

[Kelvin Mace]

3. Hmmm URL didn't work

Try this one:

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/series/VeryShortIntroductions/?view=usa

[Adsos Letter]

4. Thanks! I edited the OP to add the new URL.

[Adsos Letter]

5. kick for the West Coast evening crew.

Those that aren't actually out having a life on Friday night... :D