Books published by Oneworld Publications

Investigating a whole host of species from around the globe, the first short and affordable introduction to animal behaviorWhy do birds have regional accents? Can horses learn maths? What do animals without eyes see? Questions such as these have fascinated scientists and animal lovers alike long before ethology - the study of animal behavior - became recognised as a science in the 1970s. Now, as issues of conservation and welfare dominate the field, an understanding of how and why animals act the way they do has become even more critical. Drawing together evolutionary theory, ecology, population biology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy to demonstrate the diversity involved when studying animals, Byers explains the mechanisms and motivations behind a range of animal movements. Readers are equipped with the core knowledge and skills to further their own studies and better understand the natural world that surrounds us.

The wonder of flight has long captured the human imagination. In this beguiling history ranging from the first aircraft to astronauts and beyond David Darling tells the stories of the true life adventurers whose wonder has translated into bizarre contraptions, magnificent achievements and, sometimes, startling folly. Discover outrageous attempts to fly like a bird and fall from the edge of space. Meet Napoleonic ballooniste Sophie Blanchard and her daredevil husband; the real ';X-Men' who flew the supersonic experimental ';X-planes' for the US Air Force; stuntman Lincoln Beachey, looping-the-loop in a pinstripe suit; and, of course, The Rocket Man himself: Yves Rossy, who in 2006 was the first person to cross the English Channel using a jet-pack. Eccentric and reckless, Darling's daring cast of dreamers is guaranteed to entertain and inspire.

A gripping account of the Camp David summit and the first peace treaty in the modern Middle East

Introduces the history and people of West Papua, tracing the origins of the international conflict surrounding their struggle for self-determination following the Second World War. This title focuses on the sham referendum of 1969, which Indonesia dubbed 'The Act of Free Choice', an election rigged to legitimize Indonesian control over West Papua.

A bizarre mystery surrounding a family tragedy forms the centrepiece of Rachel's struggle as an astonishingly beautiful mixed-race child in a mostly black community. As terrible secrets begin to emerge, Rachel learns to swallow her grief and construct her self-image in a world that wants to see her as either Black or White

The idea that Jesus was married continues to incite fierce debate. But most who address the topic either dismiss the possibility or propound conspiracy theories. Amid the storm of controversy, Le Donne provides a haven of clarity and sense. Approaching the subject from a fresh, historical perspective, Le Donne places Jesus firmly within a socio-cultural context and, by investigating gender and marriage norms, provocatively argues that Jesus could well have been married although not to Mary Magdalene.

In this clear and authoritative guide, Lavinia and Dan Cohn-Sherbok concisely examine the Jewish faith and its practices and explore what it really means to be a Jew today. From the nature of God to the divisions within Judaism and from worship to everyday customs, this introduction covers all the topics essential to an informed understanding of this highly influential 3000-year-old faith and its enduring traditions.

Rescuing the subject from deadly dry theorists and -isms, Clare Connors focuses on the real questions that emerge when we read and study literature - such as how we find meaning and how literature relates to its historical context - before exploring the response of theorists. Using selections from works including poetry by Christina Rossetti and Annie Proulx's Brokeback Mountain, Connors unites theory with practice, revealing how enjoyable it is to think about reading.

The definitive study of this troubled regionThe Northern Ireland conflict is the most protracted and bitter campaign of terrorist violence in modern history. Despite decommissioning and political compromise, violent incidents are still rife and Unionists and Nationalists are as segregated as ever. This landmark introduction uses the latest archival material to chart the history of The Troubles and examine their legacy. Exploring the effects of sectarian violence, British intervention, and efforts to improve community relations, this astute book extends beyond the usual cliches found elsewhere.

The media is full of advice about what we should eat and warnings about what we shouldn't. What should you believe-and how much of what you hear can you trust? In this title, the author dispels the confusion and applies his knowledge of food chemistry to the top food trends. It also looks at the real science behind losing weight.

Blamed for the bloody disasters of the 20th century: Auschwitz, the Gulags, globalisation, Islamic terrorism; heralded as the harbinger of reason, equality, and the end of arbitrary rule, the Enlightenment has been nothing if not divisive. To this day historians disagree over when it was, where it was, and what it was (and sometimes, still is). Kieron O'Hara deftly traverses these conflicts, presenting the history, politics, science, religion, arts, and social life of the Enlightenment not as a simple set of easily enumerated ideas, but an evolving conglomerate that spawned a very diverse set of thinkers, from the radical Rousseau to the conservative Burke.

Feminism is arguably the most significant social movement of the last century and it is far from over. But what appears as a single, unified movement on behalf of women's liberation is really a fascinating coalition of social and political causes, goals, and ideals. By highlighting the themes that form the enduring nexuses between the three waves, taking powerful examples from feminist campaigns, and tackling timely issues such as genocide and war rape, Scholz invites us to join in with the lively debates and always germane challenges of feminism.

Homosexuality is anathema to Islam or so the majority of both believers and non-believers suppose. Throughout the Muslim world, it is met with hostility, where state punishments range from hefty fines to the death penalty. Likewise, numerous scholars and commentators maintain that the Qur'an and Hadith rule unambiguously against same-sex relations. This pioneering study argues that there is far more nuance to the matter than most believe. In its narrative of Lot, the Qur'an could be interpreted as condemning lust rather homosexuality. While some Hadith are fiercely critical of homosexuality, some are far more equivocal. This is the first book length treatment to offer a detailed analysis of how Islamic scripture, jurisprudence, and Hadith, can not only accommodate a sexually sensitive Islam, but actively endorse it.

Muhammad Abduh (1849-1905) is widely regarded as the founder of Islamic modernism. Egyptian jurist, religious scholar and political activist, he sought to synthesize Western and Islamic cultural values. Arguing that Islam is essentially rational and fluid, Abduh maintained that it had been stifled by the rigid structures implemented in the generations since Muhammad and his immediate followers. In this absorbing biography, Mark Sedgwick examines whether Abduh revived true Islam or instigated its corruption.

Muhammad Rashid Rida is among the most influential Muslim thinkers of the modern period and yet, until this book, his writings on religious reform remained unpublished in English. In this paperback version of the flagship English edition, esteemed academic Simon A. Wood rights this wrong by translating and analysing one of his most important works, The Criticisms of the Christians and the Arguments of Islam. Responding to arguments made in the ninetenth century that Islam is irrational or inferior to Christianity, and that the unification of religious and political power is a barrier to progress, Rida sought to defend Islam and often charged Christianity of its own brand of irrationality. Wood analyses these arguments, showing that Ridas work cannot be separated from the period of colonial humiliation in which it originated. He also takes on the traditional accusation that Rida was a fundamentalist and argues that he was in fact distinctly modernist. Simon A. Wood is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of NebraskaLincoln. He is a leading expert on Rashid Rida.

Would you want a world without government?In this clear and penetrating study, Ruth Kinna goes directly to the heart of this controversial ideology, explaining the influences that have shaped anarchism and the different tactics and strategies that have been used by anarchists throughout history to achieve their ends. Kinna covers themes both historical and acutely contemporary, including: Could anarchy ever really be a viable alternative to the state? Can anarchist ideals ever be consistent with the justification of violence? How has anarchism influenced the anti-globalization movement?

It is a conundrum that has vexed societies throughout history: how do you deal with those that break the law? If their aim is to evade you, how do you identify them? If their aim is to lie, how do you interview them? If they don't see their actions are wrong, how do you help them to successfully reform? Criminal psychology is the discipline which tackles these challenges head on. From the signals which give away we're lying to the psychological profiling of violent offenders, this exhaustive guide, written by the UK's top experts, is the perfect introduction. Also covering policing, and the much debated topic of sexual offenders and their treatment, it will demonstrate how understanding the mind will help us to view modern justice from a more informed perspective.

"e;Key Themes for the Study of Islam"e; examines the central themes and concepts indispensable to an informed understanding of Islamic religion and society. From Gender and History to Prayer and Prophecy, each authoritative chapter focuses on a single aspect of the religion and presents a critical discussion written by a world expert in that field. Exposing as false the idea that Islam and Muslims are incomprehensible to Western culture, this book will become the first choice for students and experts in religion from disparate fields, who wish to know how Islam relates to vital concepts in religion and society today.

The story of one Baha'i woman's experiences at the hands of the Iranian Revolutionaries in the 1980s. Amid the escalating program she witnessed friends, neighbours and relatives being imprisoned, tortured and executed. She visited prisoners, comforted relatives and then it was her turn.

Beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout, this is a delightful gift book of prayers for every occasion

How do you know what you know?Epistemology is the philosophical study of knowledge. Without knowledge, scientific enquiry is meaningless and we can't begin to analyse the world around us. What is knowledge? How do you know you are not dreaming? Should we trust our senses? Presuming no prior experience of philosophy, this book covers everything in the topic from scepticism and possible worlds to Kant's transcendentalism. Clear and readable, Epistemology: A Beginner's Guide is essential reading for students and aspiring thinkers.

Charting the life and thought of this hugely influential medieval thinker.One of the most influential philosophers and theologians in the history of Western thought, St Thomas Aquinas established the foundations for much of modern philosophy of religion, and is infamous for his arguments for the existence of God. In this cogent and multifaceted introduction to the great Saint's work, Edward Feser argues that you cannot fully understand Aquinas' philosophy without his theology and vice-versa. Covering his thoughts on the soul, natural law, metaphysics, and the interaction of faith and reason, this will prove a indispensable resource for students, experts or the general reader.

Pick up where Classic FM leaves offWhat does classical music mean to the Western World? How has it transformed over the centuries? With such a rich tradition, what relevance does it have today? Julian Johnson inspires readers to explore the field, and examines how music is related to some of the big ideas of Western experience including spirituality, emotion, the weight of history, and self identity.