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Elsevier

Books in Arts and humanities

Elsevier's Arts and Humanities titles encompass a rich spectrum of scholarship that explores human culture, history, philosophy, and creative expression. These works offer deep insights into language, literature, visual arts, and critical theory, supporting the academic community in understanding diverse perspectives and cultural legacies. Designed for scholars, educators, and students, this collection bridges classic studies with contemporary issues, fostering a deeper appreciation and knowledge of the human experience.

  • Science and the Second Renaissance of Europe

    • 1st Edition
    • A. Danzin
    • English
    Science and the Second Renaissance of Europe focuses on the role of science in the cultural, economic, and social fabric of Europe. This book analyzes Europe's situation in areas such as demography, economics, and technology and demonstrates its vulnerability where space is limited and the balance of the environment easily upset. It argues that Europe lacks the primary resources essential for its development and will soon be facing serious demographic problems, and proposes a suitable policy for scientific and technical research. This book is divided into three sections and begins with a discussion on what the European identity can be and a reflection on its long-term consequences. A balance sheet showing Europe's political situation, demography, geographical and economic data, and capacity for innovation is presented. The idea-forces of Western European culture are also considered. The second section is a plea for European development based on the strength of European culture and the abilities of the Europeans. In this framework, emphasis is placed on intellectual activities, activities in information dissemination and processing, and cooperation with developing countries. The third section outlines a plan for science and technology that could lead to a Second Renaissance in the European Community. This monograph will be a valuable resource for scientists and science policymakers.

  • Introducing Comparative Education

    • 1st Edition
    • A. R. Trethewey
    • English
    Introducing Comparative Education aims to familiarize newcomers with comparative education as a field of study and to provide a continuing reference as people become more actively involved with comparative studies and the problems associated with developing them in rigorous and productive ways. The purposes and methods of comparative education are also discussed. Comprised of eight chapters, this book begins by presenting a neat, simple, and generally accepted definition of comparative education. The reader is then introduced to the history and development of comparative education; the purposes of comparative education; some of the pitfalls in trying to compare education or educational systems across cultural and national boundaries; and some of the alternative methods open to those who would like to develop studies in comparative education. The approaches associated with Isaac Kandel, Nicholas Hans, and G. Z. F. Bereday, Brian Holmes, Edmund King, Harold Noah, and Max Eckstein are considered. The book concludes with a listing of resources for teaching and learning. This monograph is intended for students and educators.

  • Society, Schools, and Progress in Japan

    • 1st Edition
    • Tetsuya Kobayashi
    • English
    Society, Schools, and Progress in Japan introduces the reader to some of the major features of national education in Japan, with emphasis on the role of schools in society and in promoting progress. The principles of national education are discussed, along with the contribution of education to economic development. Comprised of eight chapters, this book begins with a historical background on Japanese education from early times to about 1950. The next chapter explains the establishment of statutory principles of national education in Japan in a historical and socio-political context, and examines the problems connected with the aims of national education which have been under the influence of statutory provisions and various other factors in Japanese society. The question of controlling national education in Japan is then considered, paying particular attention to the machinery for policy formation in national education; the systems of educational administration both at the central and local levels; and the dispute arising from the centralization of the control of national education. The book concludes by assessing future prospects for Japanese education, including planning, implementing, and financing educational reform. This monograph will be of interest to students, teachers, sociologists, school administrators, and educational policymakers.

  • Process and Action in Work with Groups

    The Preconditions for Treatment and Growth
    • 1st Edition
    • Ken Heap
    • Jean P. Nursten
    • English
    Process and Action in Work with Groups: The Preconditions for Treatment and Growth focuses on the development and dynamics of the work group method, taking into consideration worker-client relationships, interchanges between clients, and the role of social workers in the processes of support and control of the work group method. The book first offers information on the use of the group process, as well as resources and problems common to all social work methods and group process in social work. The manuscript then reviews the social worker's role in the group work process and the proposed model of the social group work process. The functions prior to first meeting and following group formation and elaboration of the proposed model are presented. The text elaborates on the uses of action and case studies on group work with elderly clients and young people at risk. Considerations include agency and its setting, contents of meeting, formation of the groups, and diversity of group members. The manuscript is a valuable reference for readers interested in the development and dynamics of the work group method.

  • The Ecological Transition

    Cultural Anthropology and Human Adaptation
    • 1st Edition
    • John W. Bennett
    • Cyril S. Belshaw
    • English
    The Ecological Transition: Cultural Anthropology and Human Adaptation covers various concerns about human interaction with the physical environment. The title tackles how social factors are implicated in human-nature interrelationships. The text first details the concept of ecological transition, and then proceeds to discussing the interrelationship between culture, ecology, and social policy. Next, the selection deals with human ecology and cultural ecology. Chapter 4 covers system, ecosystem, and social system. The text also talks about the ecological transition, along with the culture-ecology relationship. The eighth chapter tackles adaptation and human behavior, while the ninth chapter covers adaptation as a social process. The book will be of great interest to behavioral scientists, sociologists, and anthropologists.

  • The Earliest Years

    The Growth and Development of Children Under Five
    • 1st Edition
    • O. M. Woodward
    • I. R. Maxwell + 1 more
    • English
    The Earliest Years: The Growth and Development of Children under Five examines the growth and development of children during the first five years of life. Topics include patterns of growth and the importance of mother-child relationship in child development; the child's widening world and growing independence; the importance of play in young children; and nursery school education. This book is comprised of six chapters and begins by comparing a five-year-old child to a newborn baby in terms of learning and skills. The next chapter focuses on a child's patterns of growth during the first year of life and the role of the mother or mother-substitute in all the aspects of child development at this stage. The third chapter explains how the child at one to three years of age begins to embrace and familiarize with the new rhythms of life, with emphasis on walking, talking, toilet training, and feeding. This book then describes how a child becomes more independent of the mother at 3-5 years of age and develops social relationships with other children of the same age. This text also considers the specific values that play provides to very young children and what types of play offer the best means for overall development. The final chapter looks at the provisions of nursery schools to meet the needs of the young child. This book will be of interest to parents, psychologists, and educators.

  • The History of Man-Powered Flight

    • 1st Edition
    • D. A. Reay
    • English
    The History of Man-Powered Flight provides a comprehensive history of man-powered aircraft. This book discusses the flight in early civilizations; Leonardo da Vinci— a scientist among skeptical philosophers; formation of the Man-Powered Aircraft Committee at Cranfield; Kremer Competition— catalyst for worldwide activity, and the first entrant; and United Kingdom “Miscellany” of the 1960s. The topics on man-powered rotorcraft and the persistence of the “bird-men”; “Toucan” and other machines; and future prospects on man-powered flight are also deliberated in this text. This publication is intended for experts in the field of aeronautics, but is also beneficial to students and individuals interested in aviation.

  • A Turning Point for Literacy

    Adult Education for Development the Spirit and Declaration of Persepolis
    • 1st Edition
    • Leon Bataille
    • English
    A Turning Point for Literacy: Adult Education for Development, The Spirit and Declaration of Persepolis contains the proceedings of the International Symposium for Literacy, held at Persepolis, Iran in September 1975. The conference intends to evaluate the results of international actions on literacy teaching, with the aim of extending and intensifying adult literacy teaching throughout the world. The compendium presents the work of specialists and some international institutions in the framework of the themes of the symposium; they serve as catalysts for discussion and reflection. The themes of the symposium include appraisal and lessons of 10 years of adult literacy work and functionalities of literacy, in view of the need to satisfy the essential needs of human in terms of economic activities, health, culture, and participation in the reform of society. Other themes are the determination to introduce deep changes in the living conditions of human and in social structures as a sine qua non of literacy undertakings and the innovative role of literacy experiments in the reform of teaching and training systems and their integration into the global educational process. The book will be of interest to educators, policymakers, teachers, historians, and students of education.

  • The Many Facets of Human Settlements

    Papers Prepared for AAAS Activities in Connection with HABITAT: The U.N. Conference on Human Settlements
    • 1st Edition
    • Irene Tinker + 1 more
    • English
    The Many Facets of Human Settlements: Science and Society focuses on communications, energy, and planning and design issues besetting human settlements. The book also tackles rural and urban development, types of habitats, industrialization, and lifestyles. The selection first discusses the influence of technology in shaping lifestyles, including advanced urban systems, programs on communications, and technology assessment of telecommunication-tr... interactions. Concerns include goals for the performance of human settlements and innovations for cities of the future; overview of studies and experiments pursued by the New Rural Society; and concept for a nationwide satellite communication systems to serve rural areas. The text then looks at the sources of energy in human settlements. Topics include alternatives to gas heat, coal, oil, solar heating, heat pump, and action plan. The book examines energy conservation in housing design, ecotechnologies and ecocommunities, bioshelters and their implications for lifestyle, high-rise habitat, and energy and rural development. The text also tackles industrialization and urbanization in Japan. Considerations include population density and urbanization, environmental disruption, and Japan as a postindustrial society. The selection is a vital source of data for readers interested in the issues and factors influencing human settlements.

  • The Sorcerer's Apprentice

    An Anthropology of Public Policy
    • 1st Edition
    • Cyril S. Belshaw
    • English
    The Sorcerer's Apprentice: An Anthropology of Public Policy sees the community in a global and national view, raises a statement saying that society itself is policy making, and asks what societies can achieve if they did things differently. The book is divided into five parts. Part I discusses the challenge of policy and explains how anthropology is a social science. Part II covers the analysis and policy of the village universe, the urban contribution, and elements of the nation state, international connections, and the ""supra-nation"". Part III includes the innovation and genesis of ideas, resources and their management, change, conflict, and resistance. Part IV discusses the process of technical assistance, politics and conflict, the relationship between the politician and the social scientist, the mastery of judgment, and the organization of social sciences, and Part V talks about the values, choice, and the problems of the social sciences. Sociologists, anthropologists, and politicians, especially those who would like to know the importance of the social studies, its relation to society and politics, and the global community would find the text a good read.

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