Very short introductions

Offers a concise overview of the Reformation, discussing how it transformed Europe and altered society's perceptions of religion, social status, gender roles, wealth, politics, and the treatment of minorities.

From the Publisher: Fashion is a gigantic global industry, generating some three hundred billion dollars in revenue every year, and playing a significant role in the economic, political, cultural and social lives of a vast international audience. Despite this, and perhaps in part because of its prevalence in the media, it is often denigrated as trivial and superficial, as a sign of vanity and narcissism. Written by a highly regarded authority on twentieth-century fashion, this Very Short Introduction offer a wide-ranging and revealing look at fashion that discusses everything from production and design, to couture and retailing, to the wider role of fashion in society. This lively book illuminates the structure of the fashion industry and the range of professionals involved in its creation, and it provides cogent insight into its historical, social and cultural contexts. It also sheds light on how fashion has developed, while raising questions about its ethical and controversial aspects, such as the use of fur, exploitative trading, and poor working conditions for laborers.

Provides an overview of the Hindu religion, discussing the importance of scripture and tradition, the variety of Hindu gods and goddesses, the relationship of European and American outsiders to Hinduism, views of women and untouchables, and other topics.

Presents an introduction to the life and thought of seventeenth-century English philosopher John Locke, discussing his attempts to answer the questions of how human beings gain knowledge, and how they should try to live.

Offers a brief introduction to terrorism, examining the historical, ideological, and local roots of terrorist violence, and the success of specific terrorist and anti-terrorist campaigns in the past.

An introduction to the life and works of fifteenth-century Italian statesman Niccolo Machiavelli, a man whose name has become synonymous with duplicity and immorality.

Chronicles the life of Martin Luther, exploring his inner struggles, his conflicts with the papacy, the stains on his reputation, and his impact on religion.

Explains the basic beliefs and issues the Protestant religion is based on, emphasizing the importance of its expansion into the non-Western world, and exploring the causes of Protestant's diversity.