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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.

  • Mortality Patterns in National Populations

    With Special Reference to Recorded Causes of Death
    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel H. Preston
    • H. H. Winsborough
    • English
    Mortality Patterns in National Populations: With Special Reference to Recorded Causes of Death aims to interpret the account left by millions of death certificates that have been recorded in 43 nations. The book discusses a ""model"" of the cause structure of mortality at various levels of mortality from all causes combined; the effect of various causes on the chances of death and longevity; and the contribution of economic factors to declines in mortality during the 20th century. The text also describes the causes of death and age patterns of mortality; the causes of death responsible for variation in sex mortality differentials; and the demographic and social consequences of various causes of death in the United States. Demographers and ecologists will find the book invaluable.

  • Present and Past in Middle Life

    • 1st Edition
    • Dorothy H. Eichorn + 2 more
    • English
    Present and Past in Middle Life presents an interdisciplinary focus on the life course from adolescence to middle age. Part I is a review of the social history and life experiences that are shaped by the timing of historical forces exemplified in the Oakland Growth Study and the Guidance Study in California. Part II deals with the intrapersonal dimensions, covering topics such as health in the middle years, adolescence experience, personality, and IQ up to middle age. This part discusses the effects and changes brought by the Binet IQ tests, and then evaluates the correlation of IQ and adaptability to change. Physiological health and the ill effects of alcohol consumption are also explained in this part. The book also discusses the child-centered personality theory that the past is the cause and the present is the outcome. One paper analyzes adolescent personality as predictive to adult psychological health using 19 personality dimensions to arrive at a psychological health index at 40. Other papers discuss men's work careers in their middle years and those of women, highlighting women's relationship with work, personality, and their role in the family. The book can be useful for behavioral scientists, sociologists, counselors, physiologists, psychiatrists, and researchers involved in the field of human development.

  • The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interaction

    Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership
    • 1st Edition
    • I. Robinson
    • English
    The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interaction: Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership discusses the scientific study of the relationship between man and animals, focusing on the behavior of companion animals, and how humans and animals affect each other's behavior. This first half of this book discusses research on benefits that have been found to accumulate from associations with animals, and the role of animals in care and therapy program. The responsibilities toward the animals kept, and how to enhance their care and welfare are considered in the next chapters. The human response to pet loss is also elaborated. This publication is beneficial to veterinary students and individuals concerned with the study of human-animal interactions.

  • Readings in Child Socialization

    The Commonwealth and International Library: Readings in Sociology
    • 1st Edition
    • K. Danziger
    • English
    Readings in Child Socialization is a collection of papers that covers concerns in sociological science, particularly those that involve children. The book presents 14 materials that tackle issues in human society. The text first details the concept of society and socialization, and then proceeds to presenting sociological studies, such as a developmental study of the effects of sex of the dominant parent on sex role preference, identification, and imitation in children; social origins and consequences of elaborated and restricted codes; and sex, age, and state as determinants of mother-infant interaction. The book will be of great interest to researchers and practitioners of sociology and other related disciplines, such as social psychology.

  • Praxiology

    An Introduction to the Sciences of Efficient Action
    • 1st Edition
    • Tadeusz Kotarbinski
    • English
    Praxiology: An introduction to the Sciences of Efficient Action deals with the general theory of achieving efficient actions. The concept of a praxiology and the technique of a praxiologist toward finding the most efficient way of achieving things are the concerns in this book. Praxiology is discussed as being the codification for practical behavior. The notions of praxiology is clarified and the tasks of registering and ordering what are already known and existing concepts of efficient work are gathered and presented. This book also shows the concepts of the simple act of the agent, the free impulse, material, tool, and product involved in any kind of external work that is undertaken. An analysis following instruments as the source of power in themselves is considered, because these instruments can exert pressure on the external work being done. This text then discusses action as a compound act or a collective act. Then, the author expounds that among other possibilities, there is only a fine possibility that an action can be done. Taken into consideration are the praxiological values, the economization, preparation, and instrumentalization of actions. The principles of co-operation are discussed, compared to struggling or negative cooperation, as leading to improved accomplishment and efficiency of work. The author adds that praxiology can be applied mentally as well, but he considers this as a special case. Psychologists, psychiatrists, work process engineers, and behavioral scientists will find this book illuminating and educational.

  • Curiosity and Exploration

    Theories and Results
    • 1st Edition
    • Hans-Georg Voss + 1 more
    • English
    Curiosity and Exploration: Theories and Results provides a systematic review of research on curiosity and exploration and is intended to present theories, methods, and research findings and to compare these with other fields of psychology. The text discusses topics on various aspects of curiosity and exploration such as the historical development of curiosity research; theoretical approaches to fully explain the phenomena of curiosity and exploration; developmental perspective in the study of curiosity and exploration; and the author's summary and evaluation at the end of the book. Psychologists will find the book to be very interesting.

  • Biopolitics and International Values

    Investigating Liberal Norms
    • 1st Edition
    • Ralph Pettman
    • Albert Somit
    • English
    Biopolitics and International Values: Investigating Liberal Norms attempts to provide as profound an understanding of human behavior as possible. It sorts out the subjective meanings we share with other people that define our cultures and the symbolic contexts that surround us all. The book begins with a discussion of the sources of order in contemporary world politics, in particular the intellectual and moral values that have come to prevail there (the European doctrines of social justice and human rights, and the underlying assumptions they make about human fraternity, equality, liberty, and felicity). This is followed by separate chapters that examine the individualistic ethic of the American polity, counterposing the collectivist concerns of the Soviets; discuss the various meanings of equality and the ways in which it has historically been used in political and philosophic discourse. The book also looks at various attempts by political theorists to analyze liberty; examines what a biological understanding of human nature makes of that most abiding and most elusive of contemporary political aspirations; and reviews research into such areas as genetic engineering (particularly recombinant DNA) and the possible consequences this might have for society and politics.

  • Paleoethnobotany

    A Handbook of Procedures
    • 1st Edition
    • Deborah M. Pearsall
    • English
    This book describes the approaches and techniques of paleoethnobotany--th... study of the interrelationships between human populations and the plant world through the archaeological record. Its purpose is twofold. First, it assembles in one volume the three major methods of paleoethnobotany, the analysis of macroremains, pollen analysis, and phytolith analysis, for the student or professional interested in the field. Second, it presents on paleoethnobotanist's view of the discipline: its past, present, and future, its strengths and weaknesses, and its role in modern archaeology.

  • Talking About Puddings

    • 1st Edition
    • Margaret Bates
    • English
    Talking about Puddings presents a collection of recipes of home-made puddings. The book describes cooking methods and preparation, dressing, and storage suggestions for each recipe. The text also provides recipes of traditional Christmas and winter puddings, fritters, pancakes and sweet omelets, creamy milk puddings, junkets and custards, and pies. The book covers recipes of other baked puddings, pies, tarts, flans, meringue delicacies, and lush cakes. Recipes of cheese or curd cakes and other delicacies made with cottage cheese and sour cream; cold sweets; ice cream and food with ice cream; and petits fours, friandises, and dessert biscuits are also provided. The book concludes by discussing useful fundamentals such as pastry-making, sweet sauces, flavorings and simple garnishes, handy measures, and British and American measures. Home cooks and professional chefs will find the book invaluable.

  • The Gun Merchants

    Politics and Policies of the Major Arms Suppliers
    • 1st Edition
    • Cindy Cannizzo
    • English
    The Gun Merchants: Politics and Policies of the Major Arms Suppliers focuses on the political and policy considerations in arms transfers, taking into consideration the positions of different arms-exporting countries on the control of conventional arms trade. The book first offers information on the trends in 20th-century arms transfers, including history of arms transfers, sophistication of arms, and transfer modes of arms. The text also underscores the position and influence of Jimmy Carter and the United States on the restraint of arms trade. The manuscript examines Soviet arms policy towards Africa, including the context of Soviet policy, factors influencing Soviet behavior, and the future of Soviet policy in Africa. The increase in the volume of arms sold in Africa is highlighted. The book also takes a look at domestic and international considerations of British arms sales; the policies of the Federal Republic of Germany and France on arms transfers; and evaluation of arms transfer control proposals. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in exploring the international policies and procedures in arms trade.

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