Anyone here familiar with Oxford's "A Brief Introduction to [blank]" series?

[Adsos Letter]

Over 300 titles in this series.


From their site:

Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.

http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/series/VeryShortIntroductions/?view=usa

I just received 6 of them:

Fascism: A Very Short Introduction

The Great Depression and the New Deal: A Very Short Introduction

Neoliberalism: A Very Short Introduction

The Laws of Thermodynamics: A Very Short Introduction

Relativity: A Very Short Introduction

Molecules: A Very Short Introduction

I'm sure the authors interpretations are reflected in those non-scientific subjects; I haven't had a chance to read any of them yet, but an author search might help identify potential bias.

Amazon generally has many of these titles, usually for between $5--$6 bucks; their independent sellers have used copies, often at greatly reduced prices.

Seems like a good source for those on DU who want to get a bit more familiarity with some of the subjects often addressed here.

[meegbear]

1. No, but I have their history of the French Revolution ...

and if the Introduction series are as half as good as that, then you scored. But I'm sure they're just as good.

[Adsos Letter]

2. I have several of the "New Oxford History " volumes...

and some of the older "Oxford History" series also. I love 'em!

Seems like the subjects in this "Short Introduction to" series would be good to gain some basic understanding of subjects one doesn't wish to wade through 500+ pages on, however pleasant the wade might be in the larger volumes. :D

That's one of the things I enjoy about DU; lots of readers here.

[pscot]

3. I haven't read these

but I read a lot of European history, and Oxford press produses readable and generally authoritative books on a myriad of subjects. They hold to a pretty high standard.

[BNJMN]

4. They have 'em in audiobook format as well. [nt]

[BookSavoury]

5. I know that series. It's a great way to introduce yourself to different topics

If you get them new they're about 12.00 each.