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Brilliant. Sharp. Inspiring.

Very Short Introductions offer concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, new insights, and enthusiasm to make often challenging topics highly readable to develop your core knowledge.

Concise and original introductions

Whatever your area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates you, the series is an indispensable and accessible guide that will enrich your understanding.

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The Very Short Introductions Podcast

A concise and original introduction to a wide range of subjects— from Public Health to Buddhist Ethics, Soft Matter to Classics, and Art History to Globalization —by the expert authors of the Very Short Introductions series. For wherever your curiosity may take you.

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Latest

Mary Wollstonecraft: A Very Short Introduction
The Catholic Reformation: A Very Short Introduction
Toleration: A Very Short Introduction
Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)

OUPblog

Can you match the famous opening line to the story? [Quiz]

Do you know your Austen from your Orwell? Consider yourself a literature whiz? Or do you just love a compelling story opening? Try out this quiz and see if you can match the famous opening line to the story and put your knowledge to the test. Good luck! If you want to find out more about the...

Nine new books to understand the Cold War [reading list]

This October marks the 60th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tense political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. To mark the anniversary, we’re sharing some of our latest history titles on the Cold War for you to explore,...

The hidden and fraught development of an International Peace Architecture

The historical evolution of peace has led to the development of a substantial International Peace Architecture (IPA). This often-ignored architecture represents a wide set of frameworks, concepts, and methods, which span the balance of power, diplomacy, mediation, peacekeeping, civil society...

7 books to understand the US election [reading list]

As the US Election approaches, explore a few Very Short Introductions to help answer your questions. Get informed before the debates begin, with concise guides on a wide range of topics from American political parties to democracy. Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned political...

Latest in Arts and Humanities

The Catholic Reformation: A Very Short Introduction
Mary Wollstonecraft: A Very Short Introduction
Toleration: A Very Short Introduction
Futurism: A Very Short Introduction
Sophocles: A Very Short Introduction
Meaning: A Very Short Introduction
Psycholinguistics: A Very Short Introduction
The Epic: A Very Short Introduction
Feminist Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
J.R.R. Tolkien: A Very Short Introduction

Latest in Law

The Rule of Law: A Very Short Introduction
Surveillance: A Very Short Introduction
The U.S. Supreme Court: A Very Short Introduction (3rd edn)
Comparative Law: A Very Short Introduction
The British Constitution: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Law: A Very Short Introduction (3rd edn)
The Jury: A Very Short Introduction
Peace: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
The American Judicial System: A Very Short Introduction
Negotiation: A Very Short Introduction

Latest in Medicine and Health

Cancer: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Pandemics: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Gender History: A Very Short Introduction
Infectious Disease: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Addiction: A Very Short Introduction
Viruses: A Very Short Introduction (3rd edn)
Ivan Pavlov: A Very Short Introduction
Bacteria: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Very Short Introduction
Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)

Latest in Science and Mathematics

Cryptography: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Symbiosis: A Very Short Introduction
Sustainability: A Very Short Introduction
Psycholinguistics: A Very Short Introduction
The Self: A Very Short Introduction
Geophysical and Climate Hazards: A Very Short Introduction (3rd edn)
Particle Physics: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Imagination: A Very Short Introduction
Biodiversity Conservation: A Very Short Introduction
Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna): A Very Short Introduction

Latest in Social Sciences

Mary Wollstonecraft: A Very Short Introduction
Anthony Trollope: A Very Short Introduction
Sustainability: A Very Short Introduction
Russian Politics: A Very Short Introduction
Social Science: A Very Short Introduction
Authoritarianism: A Very Short Introduction
Military Strategy: A Very Short Introduction (2nd edn)
Elections: A Very Short Introduction
Surveillance: A Very Short Introduction
The Self: A Very Short Introduction

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