An introduction to the "A Very Short Introduction" series

The Very Short Introduction series is produced by Oxford University Press. It aims to meet the needs of introductory readers in all academic disciplines. It also provides certain issues and significant thinkers within them such as great philosophers and psychologists. The series has been very successful and is recommended not only for the general reader but as part of an introductory university course. This article is an introductory to the "A Very Short Introduction" series.

What it covers

Disciplines The Very Short Introduction series is produced by Oxford University Press which publishes material for Oxford academics. This series of introductions currently includes over two hundred books and more are planned. They are written with a formula, being about a hundred to a hundred and fifty pages long. They always include suggestions for further reading which many readers find useful. Authors are selected from acknowledged experts, often from Oxford university though there may be experts from other universities as well. Material covered There will be books on academic subjects such as introduction to social and cultural anthropology, or on issues within an academic discipline such as quantum theory which is an area of Physics. Historical groups such as nations or religious groups will be tackled as there is an introduction to the Celts and one on the Quakers.History has a significant number of introductions to specific periods. For example, there is a guide to modern Ireland and a book on prehistory. Thinkers The series is particularly useful in providing an insight into great thinkers, much of whose work is spread across a range of books which makes tracking them down a chore for some people. The academic expert writing the book can distill the thoughts of the philosopher, psychologist etc. There are specific books which deal with issues within philosophy such as animal rights and medical ethics. Major religions and religious figures are tackled. A book on Muhammed is already published and one on Jesus is in progress.

Readership

A very short introduction to any of these issues is intended to assist readers approaching a discipline. It is useful for a student beginning to study the subject at university and it is also very apt for first year students and others taking up courses.
A final word A-level students would find them useful. General readers wanting to read an issue of interest or of concern to them would find these books a valuable source of information.