Reveals the roots of our biodiversity crisis, why we failed to meet targets set over a decade ago, and what we must do now to protect and preserve nature's wonders
Oneworld Beginners' Guides Series
This series offers accessible and concise introductions to complex global topics. Each book delves into key concepts and debates within a specific discipline, such as philosophy, religion, or sociology. The goal is to provide a solid foundation for further learning and spark curiosity. It's ideal for readers seeking to quickly and effectively grasp the fundamentals of various fields. This collection serves as an excellent starting point for the intellectually curious.
Recommended Reading Order
The world didn't end on 10 September 2008, but the possibility may have got you thinking: was it worth the risk? What is the point of science actually? This book considers these questions and explores the social and ethical implications of science by linking them to issues facing scientists: human extinction, and extraterrestrial intelligence.
Animal Behavior
- 198 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Investigating a whole host of species from around the globe, the first short and affordable introduction to animal behaviour
An essential guide to the EU and why we should all care about it
Crimes Against Humanity
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Outlines the history and extent of key crimes against humanity, and highlights the efforts of popular movements to suppress them. This title explores the progress made in toughening international law, and the stumbling blocks which prevent full compliance with it. It is suitable for those interested in the well-being of humanity and its future.
Biodiversity: A Beginner's Guide combines the most up-to-date scientific thought with a genuine passion for the natural world. John Spicer explores the causes behind the current crisis in biodiversity, and urges us to take steps now to protect and preserve nature's wonders.
Homer
- 233 pages
- 9 hours of reading
An invitation to discover the two most enduring and exciting stories ever to have been told
Evolution
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
A clear, accessible and authoritative guide to the theory of evolution.
Postmodernism
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
An introduction to Postmodernism, drawing on everything from the Nike culture of branded America to the groundbreaking theories of Derrida and Baudrillard.
Evolutionary Psychology
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Controversial and captivating, this uniquely accessible guide explores what happens when evolutionary theory is applied to human behaviour.
Nutrition
- 248 pages
- 9 hours of reading
A no-nonsense guide to the science of what we eat and how it affects our health
Critical Thinking
- 174 pages
- 7 hours of reading
From adverts to blogs, television to newspapers, knowing what to believe is a daunting task. This book teaches you how to analyze people's arguments and explains the main 'fallacies' that are used to deceive and confuse.
The Beat Generation
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
This absorbing guide introduces the work of `the Beats', assessing the lives which inspired their semi-autobiographical writing, and examining their monumental influence upon modern popular culture. číst celé
Energy
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
As Einstein pointed out in his famous equation, E=MC2, all matter can be described as energy. It is everywhere; it is everything. In this engaging book, prolific author and academic Vaclav Smil provides an introduction to the far-reaching term and gives the reader a greater understanding of energy's place in both past and present society. Starting with an explanation of the concept, he goes on to cover such exciting topics as the inner workings of the human body, and the race for more efficient and environmentally friendly fuels. With global warming becoming a mainstream political issue, this guide will help shed light on the science behind it and efforts to prevent it, and how our seemingly insignificant daily decisions affect energy consumption. Whether you're after insight or dinner table conversation, "Energy: A Beginner's Guide" will amaze and inform, uncovering the science behind one of the most important concepts in our universe.
Democracy
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Writing for the activist, the student, and the simply curious, David Beetham provides a shrewd exploration of democracy in today's world and asks: is it still worth fighting for?
From the introduction of Greek Philosophy into the Muslim world in the eighth century right through to modern times, this book charts the evolution of philosophy, theology, and mysticism in the Islamic context. It explores the conflicts between anti- and pro-philosophical parties that have characterized the development of Islamic thought.
The Palestine-Israeli Conflict
- 295 pages
- 11 hours of reading
"With coverage of all the recent events, the new edition of this best-selling book gives a thorough and accessible account of the history behind the Palestine-Israeli conflict, its roots, and the possibilities for the future. The book is divided into two parts -- the first by an American rabbi and Professor of Judaism, and the second by a Palestinian lecturer on Islam. The result is a real insight into the situation, with each author giving full vent to the emotions behind the two sides of the debate. Two new chapters outline recent developments, while an updated conclusion consists of a direct debate between the two authors, which raises many issues, yet offers real solutions to which future peace talks may aspire."--Publisher description
An updated edition of this bestselling introduction to the conflict číst celé
The Islamic Veil
- 175 pages
- 7 hours of reading
A timely introduction exploring the significance of the Islamic veil in today's world
International relations : a beginner's guide
- 204 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Today, more than ever, we live in a global world. Whether it’s war, economics, politics, or law, our lives are influenced by a complex web of cross-border transactions. Dr Charles Jones ably provides the building blocks to understand these interactions, outlining the competing theories that attempt to explain them. Arguing that the strength of International Relations lies in its contradictions – it’s not a single discipline but a fascinating mess of history, politics, economics, sociology, law, anthropology, and cultural studies – he provides a lively discussion of the limitations of the field, but also why it is so essential. Covering conflict, history, and theory, and with a major focus on the global economy, this is the perfect primer for aspiring students of International Relations, workers in an international context, and citizens across the globe.
Civil Liberties
- 198 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Infringements of people's civil liberties, such as racial profiling by the police, take place on a daily basis. This work covers key issues as how every ethnic group on Earth has been victimized by racist laws, how laws banning hate speech can become dangerous, and how you can make a difference.
It is a conundrum that has vexed societies throughout history: how do you deal with those that break the law? If their aim is to evade you, how do you identify them? If their aim is to lie, how do you interview them? If they don’t see their actions are wrong, how do you help them to successfully reform? Criminal psychology is the discipline which tackles these challenges head on. From the signals which give away we’re lying to the psychological profiling of violent offenders, this exhaustive guide, written by the UK’s top experts, is the perfect introduction. Also covering policing, and the much debated topic of sexual offenders and their treatment, it will demonstrate how understanding the mind will help us to view modern justice from a more informed perspective.
Cloning
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
In this comprehensive introduction, biologist Aaron Levine provides a thorough exploration of the science and ethics of cloning.
Philosophy of Mind
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
In this lively introduction to the philosophy of mind, important questions are tackled with clear explanations of all the theories of mind, from the classic accounts of Descartes and Aquinas to the developments in computing and cognitive science
Blamed for the disasters of the 20th century: Auschwitz, the Gulags, globalisation, Islamic terrorism; heralded as the harbinger of reason, equality, and the end of arbitrary rule. This book traverses these conflicts, presenting the history, politics, science, religion, arts, and social life of the Enlightenment.
Philosophy of Religion
- 215 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Questioning why evil exists, whether God could create a stone he couldn't lift, and if the wonder of life suggests a Creator, the philosophy of religion is concerned with arguments for and against religion, and what form an immortal god (or gods) would take if in existence. This title provides an exploration of the discipline.
Anti-capitalism
- 190 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Introducing the anti-capitalist movement, a movement that has quickly established itself in the global arena, staging protests at meetings of international organisations.
Machiavelli
- 139 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Machiavelli was infamous for his support of brutality and repression as valid political instruments. This book highlights the complexities in his thought, highlighting that he advocated democracy as much as dictatorship, debate as much as violence, depending upon prevailing political conditions.
Philosophy
- 240 pages
- 9 hours of reading
The most engaging introduction to the subject by one of Britain's best loved philosophers
Quantum Physics
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
From quarks to computing, this fascinating introduction covers every element of the quantum world in clear and accessible language.
Medieval Philosophy
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
In this fast-paced, enlightening guide, Sharon M. Kaye takes us on a whistle- stop tour of medieval philosophy, revealing its astounding legacy to the discipline today.
