Media, Culture & Society

French Cinema: A Very Short Introduction

Dudley Andrew

9780198718611
Paperback
26 October 2023

Very Short Introductions

It is often claimed that the French invented cinema, and although their prominence may have been supplanted by Hollywood today, the French film industry remains both prolific and highly lauded. Exploring the entire French cinematic oeuvre, Andrew teases out the distinguishing themes, to bring the defining features of French cinema to light.

Contemporary Art: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Julian Stallabrass

9780198826620
Paperback
10 December 2020

Very Short Introductions

Contemporary art has never been so popular - but the art world is changing. Julian Stallabrass explores new movements in contemporary art, from the rise of super-rich private collectors, and increasing globalisation which has expanded a formerly Western-centric focus, to the advent of the artist as a 'brand'.

Postcolonialism: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Robert J. C. Young

9780198856832
Paperback
22 October 2020

Very Short Introductions

Since the 1960s, many people around the world have challenged the idea that western perspectives are the only ones that count. This book examines the history of that challenge, outlining the ideas behind it, and showing the ways in which the histories and the cultures of the world can be rethought in new, different and productive directions.

Identity: A Very Short Introduction

Florian Coulmas

9780198828549
Paperback
28 February 2019

Very Short Introductions

'Identity' as a concept has many faces, and its very versatility in different contexts can make it hard to define. Florian Coulmas discusses the many meanings of this slippery concept, considering why individual and collective identities are important to us, and discussing the problems asserting individual identities can create.

Film Noir: A Very Short Introduction

James Naremore

9780198791744
Paperback
28 February 2019

Very Short Introductions

James Naremore introduces film noir, highlighting key themes, films, and styles, and exploring why the genre is so difficult to categorize. First associated with Hollywood thrillers of the 1940s and 50s, film noir has become fully international in its nature and appeal, attracting the interest of great directors right up to our present time.

Sociology: A Very Short Introduction

Second Edition

Steve Bruce

9780198822967
Paperback
27 September 2018

Very Short Introductions

From politics to education, work, crime, and religion this Very Short Introduction discusses some of the core considerations of contemporary sociologists. Exploring the tension between the individual's place in society and society's role in shaping the individual, it demonstrates the value of sociology for understanding the modern world.

The History of Cinema: A Very Short Introduction

Geoffrey Nowell-Smith

9780198701774
Paperback
23 November 2017

Very Short Introductions

In this Very Short Introduction Geoffrey Nowell-Smith defines the field of cinema, and explores its fascinating history within the cultural and aesthetic sphere. Considering the influences of the other art forms from which it arose, he looks at how technological advances have opened up new horizons for the cinema industry.

The Future: A Very Short Introduction

Jennifer M. Gidley

9780198735281
Paperback
23 March 2017

Very Short Introductions

Can we ever truly influence, predict, and direct our own futures? Are there multiple futures or only one awaiting us? Jennifer Gidley explains our innate fascination with the unknown future, and considers the role of the human consciousness in embracing multiple future possibilities, and creating a world of our choices.

Home: A Very Short Introduction

Michael Allen Fox

9780198747239
Paperback
08 December 2016

Very Short Introductions

Ideas of home play a prominent role in the way people of all cultures frame an understanding of their lives. This Very Short Introduction considers the enduring concept of home in our modern world, as international and local migration, homelessness, and uprootedness threaten to destabilize our traditional notions of place and belonging.

Modern Italy: A Very Short Introduction

Anna Cento Bull

9780198726517
Paperback
27 October 2016

Very Short Introductions

This Very Short Introduction considers the history of Italy from the Risorgimento (the movement leading to Italian Unification in 1861) to the present. It also discusses Italy's political system and style of government; economic modernisation; emigration, internal migration and immigration; and the modern Italian culture and lifestyle.

Sport: A Very Short Introduction

Mike Cronin

9780199688340
Paperback
27 November 2014

Very Short Introductions

Sport is one of the largest industries in the world and the global reach of major sporting events is enormous. In this Very Short Introduction, Mike Cronin explores the historical development of sport. Exploring a variety of activities from rugby and cricket to tennis, athletics, and skiing, he considers the central role it plays in modern society.

Languages: A Very Short Introduction

Stephen Anderson

9780199590599
Paperback
28 June 2012

Very Short Introductions

How many languages are there? What differentiates one language from another? Are new languages still being discovered? Why are so many languages disappearing? These are some of the questions considered in this Very Short Introduction. By examining the science of languages, we find that the answers are not as simple as we might expect.

Utopianism: A Very Short Introduction

Lyman Tower Sargent

9780199573400
Paperback
23 September 2010

Very Short Introductions

There are many debates about utopia - What constitutes a utopia? Are utopias benign or dangerous? The idea of utopia has become commonplace in social and political thought, both negatively and positively. This Very Short Introduction explores utopianism, its history, and its role in modern debates.

Information: A Very Short Introduction

Luciano Floridi

9780199551378
Paperback
25 February 2010

Very Short Introductions

Luciano Floridi unpacks this fundamental concept - what information is, how it is measured, its value and meaning - cutting across the sciences and humanities, from DNA to the Internet, and the ethical issues related to privacy, copyright, and accessibility.

Social and Cultural Anthropology: A Very Short Introduction

John Monaghan, Peter Just

9780192853462
Paperback
24 February 2000

Very Short Introductions