Oxford's Very Short Introductions offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, and Literary Theory to History. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given topic. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how it has developed and influenced society. Whatever the area of study, whatever the topic that fascinates the reader, the series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable. Many of our Very Short Introductions have a complimentary Reading Guide, written by our authors. Whether you are part of a reading group wanting to discuss non-fiction books or you are eager to further your thinking on a Very Short Introduction, these reading guides, written by our expert authors, will provoke discussions and help you to question again, why you think what you think. Reading guides, if available, can be accessed from each Very Short Introduction product page.