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Oxford University Press
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'Therefore this terror and darkness of the mind Not by the sun's rays, nor the bright shafts of day, Must be dispersed, as is most necessary, But by the face of nature and her laws.' Lucretius' poem On the Nature of the Universe combines a scientific and philosophical treatise with some of the greatest poetry ever written. With intense moral fervour Lucretius demonstrates to humanity that in death there is nothing to fear since the soul is mortal, and the world and everything in it is governed not by the gods, but by the mechanical laws of nature. By believing this, men can live in peace of mind and happiness. Lucretius bases his argument on the atomic theory expounded by the Greek philosopher Epicurus. His poem explores sensation, sex, cosmology, meteorology, and geology through acute observation of the beauties of the natural world and with moving sympathy for man's place in it. Sir Ronald Melville's accessible and accurate verse translation is complemented by an introduction and notes situating Lucretius' scientific theories within the thought of 1st century BCE Rome and discussing the Epicurean philosophy that was his inspiration and why the issues Lucretius' poem raisies about the scientific and poetical views of the world continue to be important. |
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The mystical romance Madhumalati tells the story of a prince, Manohar, and his love for the beautiful princess Madhumalati. When they are separated they have to endure suffering, adventure, and transformation before they can be reunited and experience true happiness. A delightful love story, the poem is also rich in mystical symbolism and the story of the two lovers represents the stages on the spiritual path to enlightenment. Madhumalati was written in the sixteenth century and it is an outstanding example of Sufi literature in the Indian Islamic tradition. Originally written in a dialect of Eastern Hindi it is here translated for the first time into English verse, with an introduction and notes that explain the poem's religious significance. |
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The complex moral ambiguities of seduction and revenge make this text one of the most scandalous and controversial novels in European literature. The subject of major film and stage adaptations, the novel's prime movers, the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil, form an unholy alliance and turn seduction into a game — a game which they must win. This translation gives Laclos a modern voice, and readers will be able a judge whether the novel is as diabolical and infamous as its critics have claimed, or whether it has much to tell us about the kind of world we ourselves live in. David Coward's introduction explodes myths about Laclos's own life and puts the book in its literary and cultural context. |
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The Monk was so highly popular that it seemed to create an epoch in our literature, wrote Sir Walter Scott. Set in the sinister monastery of the Capuchins in Madrid, The Monk is a violent tale of ambition, murder, and incest. The great struggle between maintaining monastic vows and fulfilling personal ambitions leads its main character, the monk Ambrosio, to temptation and the breaking of his vows, then to sexual obsession and rape, and finally to murder in order to conceal his guilt. Inspired by German horror romanticism and the work of Ann Radcliffe, Lewis produced his masterpiece at the age of nineteen. It contains many typical Gothic elements — seduction in a monastery, lustful monks, evil Abbesses, bandits and beautiful heroines. But, as the Introduction to this new edition shows, Lewis also played with convention, ranging from gruesome realism to social comedy, and even parodied the genre in which he was writing. |
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In the Critique of Judgement (1790) Kant offers a penetrating analysis of our experience of the beautiful and the sublime, discussing the objectivity of taste, aesthetic disinterestedness, the relation of art and nature, the role of imagination, genius and originality, the limits of representation and the connection between morality and the aesthetic. He also investigates the validity of our judgements concerning the apparent purposiveness of nature with respect to the highest interests of reason and enlightenment. The work profoundly influenced the artists and writers of the classical and romantic period and the philosophy of Hegel and Schelling. It has remained a central point of reference from Schopenhauer and Nietzsche through to phenomenology, hermeneutics, the Frankfurt School, analytical aesthetics and contemporary critical theory. J. C. Meredith's classic translation has been revised in accordance with standard modern renderings and provided with a bilingual glossary. This edition also includes the important 'First Introduction' that Kant originally composed for the work. |
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The Oxford Shakespeare General Editor Stanley Wells The Oxford Shakespeare offers authoritative texts from leading scholars in editions designed to interpret and illuminate the works for modern readers — a new, modern-spelling text, based on the 1623 Folio text — on-page commentary and notes explain meaning, staging, language and allusions — detailed introduction considers composition, sources, and critical and theatrical history — includes full text of Plautus' Menaechmi and extracts from Gesta Grayorum and the Geneva Bible — illustrated with production photographs and related art — full index to introduction and commentary — durable sewn binding for lasting use not simply a better text but a new conception of Shakespeare. This is a major achievement of twentieth-century scholarship. Times Literary Supplement. |
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'Long may the barbarians continue, I pray, if not to love us, at least to hate one another.' Cornelius Tacitus, Rome's greatest historian and the last great writer of classical Latin prose, produced his first two books in AD 98. He was inspired to take up his pen when the assassination of Domitian ended fifteen years of enforced silence. The first products were brief: the biography of his late father-in-law Julius Agricola and an account of Rome's most dangerous enemies, the Germans. Since Agricola's claim to fame was that as governor for seven years he had completed the conquest of Britain, begun four decades earlier, much of the first work is devoted to Britain and its people. The second is the only surviving specimen from the ancient world of an ethnographic study. Each in its way has had immense influence on our perception of Rome and the northern barbarians. This edition reflects recent research in Roman-British and Roman-German history and includes newly discovered evidence on Tacitus' early career. |
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The Upanisads are the central scriptures of Hinduism. They represent some of the most important literary products in the history of Indian culture and religion, both because they played a critical role in the development of religious ideas in India and because they are our greatest source for the religious, social, and intellectual history of ancient India. Composed at a time of great social, economic, and religious change, the Upanisads document the transition from the archaic ritualism of the Veda into new religious ideas and institutions. The first major English translation of the ancient Upanisads for over half a century, Olivelle's work incorporates the most recent historical and philological scholarship. The introduction and detailed notes make this edition ideal for the non-specialist as well as for students of Indian religions. |
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Containing facts, attributions, and anecdotes about his contemporaries, Vasari's collection of biographical accounts also presents an influential theory of the development of Renaissance art. Beginning with Cimabue and Giotto, who represent the infancy of art, Vasari considers the period of youthful vigour, shaped by Donatello, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and Masaccio, before discussing the mature period of perfection, dominated by the titanic figures of Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo. This translation contains 36 of the most important lives as well as an introduction and explanatory notes. |
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The supreme Roman epic and the greatest poem in Latin, the Aeneid has inspired many of the great European poets including Dante and Milton. The Trojan hero Aeneas, after surviving the sack of Troy, makes his way to the West, urged on by benevolent deities and following a destiny laid down by Jupiter, but harassed and impeded by the goddess Juno. He wins his way to Italy despite many trials, of which the greatest is the tragic outcome of his love affair with Dido, Queen of Carthage. In Italy Aeneas visits the world of the dead, and is forced to wage a fearful war with the indigenous Italian tribes before he can found his city and open the history of Rome. The Aeneid survives as a poem not only of Roman imperialism but also of the whole world of human passion, duty and suffering. |
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Zola wrote that my title speaks not merely of a war, but also of the crumbling of a regime and the end of a world. The penultimate novel of the Rougon-Macquart cycle, La Debacle (1892) takes as its subject the dramatic events of the Franco-Prussian War and the Commune of 1870-71. During Zola's lifetime it was the bestselling of all his novels, praised by contemporaries for its epic sweep as well as its attention to historical detail. The novel seeks to explain why the Second Empire ended in a crushing military defeat and revolutionary violence. It focuses on ordinary soldiers, showing their bravery and suffering in the midst of circumstances they cannot control. Zola's descriptions are some of the most powerful he ever wrote. He skilfully integrates his narrative of events and the fictional lives of his characters to provide the finest account of this tragic chapter in the history of France. Often compared to War and Peace, La Debacle has been described as a 'seminal' work for all modern depictions of war. |
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- Contains the full text of the Criminal Procedure Rules 2005, the Consolidated Criminal Practice Direction, and the Protocol for the Control and Management of Heavy Fraud and Other Complex Criminal Cases, providing a comprehensive collection of all relevant procedural materials — Step-by-step guide to the new Criminal Procedure Rules, extensively cross-referenced to enable busy practitioners to find the info they need quickly — Provides checklists of the time limits and key tasks to be performed — Written in a clear and logical style, following the structure of the Rules themselves The Blackstone's Guide Series delivers concise and accessible books covering the latest legislative changes and amendments. Published within weeks of the Act, they offer expert commentary by leading names on the effects, extent and scope of the legislation, plus a full copy of the Act itself. They offer a cost-effective solution to key information needs and are the perfect companion for any practitioner needing to get up to speed with the latest changes. The new Criminal Procedure Rules 2005 govern all aspects of criminal procedure in all criminal courts. They consolidate all existing procedural rules with new provisions aimed at increasing efficiency and improving case management. The Rules are designed to bring about a cultural change and all those involved in the criminal justice system are affected by the new regime. The author team is comprised of experts in the field with inside knowledge of the Criminal Procedure Rules — Duncan Atkinson and Tim Moloney have both been members of the Criminal Bar Association Working Party on the Criminal Procedure Rules since its inception in 2004, and HHJ Roderick Denyer is a member of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee. This Guide provides a full, clear analysis of the new Rules, and places them in the context of recent changes to the law, notably the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Its logical style, following the structure of the Rules, and including checklists of time limits and key tasks to be performed, is an essential purchase for criminal practitioners, magistrates, and judges needing to get up to speed with the new procedural regime. |
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«- Thoroughly revised and expanded edition with brand new material taking into account the recent developments in international law, including the legal issues that have arisen since the «War on Terror» — Expert team of contributors involved in the teaching and practice of public international law Wide-ranging analysis of key issues and themes making it ideal for use as a stand-alone teaching text — The entire volume has been carefully edited by Malcolm Evans to ensure a consistent approach throughout New to this edition — New chapter on 'Soft Law' by Alan Boyle and new 'Perspective from Practice' by Tim Daniel — New table on relevant documents for international organizations, HR bodies and WTO documents — New Online Resource Centre offers twice annual updates to the cases and legislation discussed in the text The second edition of International Law reflects the breadth and diversity of contemporary public international law. It draws on the knowledge and expertise of a broad range of contributors actively involved in the current teaching and practice of the discipline. These authoritative and stimulating contributions present the essential elements of the international legal system in a clear and accessible fashion and address key questions that challenge many of the assumptions upon which that system is founded. Now revised and updated to include coverage of developments in the subject since publication of the first edition in 2003, International Law is an invaluable resource for students of all levels following courses in international law, politics, or international relations as part of their degree programme, whilst also providing a key source of reference for practitioners and academics alike.» |
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- An ideal introduction for anyone who is considering a career in the law, preparing for university, or embarking on a law course at college or school — A lively and accessible introduction to law, covering the history and workings of the courts and their personnel — Includes topical issues such as human rights and drugs — Geoffrey Rivlin's engaging style provides a fascinating insight into the English legal system New to this edition — Fully updated to include several new cases in the final chapter of the book, including the Catherine Zeta Jones case, giving the reader an up-to-date introduction to the workings of the English legal system — Includes lots of new examples to illustrate the descriptions and further engage the reader — Includes extended coverage on judicial precedent, human rights, and European law Understanding the Law is an engaging and accessible introduction to the law. Geoffrey Rivlin provides a wealth of fascinating detail about the legal system and the many people who participate in it, from judges to MPs and police officers. The book describes how laws are made and how cases are tried, and includes chapters on the principles involved in the administration of justice, the development of the common law, the constitution, legal professions, and courts. An updated selection of real-life cases help bring the book to life, and there are questions to accompany each chapter to encourage the reader to engage with the material. This book is ideal for anyone considering a career in the law, preparing for university, or embarking on a law course at school or college. |
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When do you address correspondents by their first names over e-mail? Need a refresher on the proper format for a business letter? Or perhaps a cram-course on how business is conducted in a particular foreign country? Now, all your workplace questions can be found in one convenient source from the most trusted name in reference. The Office Professional's Guide takes you through office basics (frequently misspelled words; proper telephone, fax, and email etiquette; common filing systems), important business and financial concepts (P&L, ROI, price to earnings ratio), international business (a glossary of terms in five different languages; a guide to travel arrangements), giving presentations (with PowerPoint), making meeting arrangements, and much more. The Office Professional's Guide is an invaluable tool for any modern professional, no matter how high you are on your department's totem pole. Compiled and researched by Oxford's renowned reference team, this comprehensive book will be a daily source of knowledge and peace of mind. |
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- A fascinating guide to our language and its history. — The principal authority on the origin and development of English words. |
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- Written by one of the best known authorities on Shakespeare, Professor Stanley Wells — Covers all Shakespeare's work, and includes entries on actors, directors, composers and theatres connected with Shakespeare — Includes box entries containing passages on Shakespeare by famous authors including Dr Samuel Johnson, Jane Austen and Bernard Levin — Invaluable reference for students, actors, directors, and anyone with a general interest in the life and works of Britain's most famous playwright New to this edition — Information about the Globe Theatre in London. Compiled by the general editor of The Oxford Shakespeare , and one of the best-known authorities on the playwright's works, this dictionary offers information on all aspects of Shakespeare, both in his own time and in later ages. The wide-ranging entries cover Shakespeare's plays, as well as everything from famous actors, writers, and directors connected with Shakespeare, to theatres, historical figures and places of particular interest relating to his life and work. The dictionary also includes box features of passages on Shakespeare by other famous authors, from Dr Johnson and Jane Austin to Bernard Levin and Virginia Woolf. Ideal reference for the student, actor, or director, and fascinating browsing for the general reader interested in Shakespeare's life and work. |
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- Thematically arranged by chapter for easy browsing — Words are arranged chronologically within themes to show how the language has changed — Contains word origins, illustrative examples from literature, and an easy-to-use A-Z index — Includes over 10,000 slang words and phrases — By the author of the Oxford Dictionary of Modern Slang and the Oxford Dictionary of Rhyming Slang Our longstanding love affair with the undignified bits of our language — the unguarded vocabulary of conversation, the quirky slang of in-groups, the colourful outbursts of lexis in extremis — has assured us a continuing tradition of collecting such words together in dictionaries. Rather than using the alphabetical format favoured by most of these, however, the Oxford Dictionary of Slang takes in turn each area of life and each aspect of the world that generates significant amounts of slang, and builds up a picture of how our off-guard speech has changed down the years. There is also a full alphabetical index. Containing over 10,000 words and phrases, this is the ideal reference for those interested in the more quirky and unofficial words used in the English language. Including surprisingly old words such as booze and guzzle to the most up-to-date words like humongous and lunchbox, this fascinating book is sure to provide a stonking good read for all. |
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The powerful gods of Greece, Rome, and Scandinavia, the more mystical deities of Buddhist and Hindu India, and the stern spirits of the African and American continents all reflect very different civilizations, yet they also demonstrate the unity of mankind in its fundamental need for explanations of the unknown. Arthur Cotterell sets out clearly the chief myths of the world and explains why different mythologies arose in different lands. * Comprehensive coverage in seven main sections of West Asia, South and Central Asia, East Asia, Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania * Clear and informative section introductions highlight the history and lifestyle of ancient peoples and the landscape in which they lived * Illustrated with black-and-white photographs and maps of each key area |
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- Contains over 6,000 entries and over 250 illustrations — Fully revised and updated: new edition includes landscape terms, biographies of important modern architects, and over 50 new illustrations — Comprehensive coverage of architectural terms with clear definitions — 1st edition was critically acclaimed: this new edition expands the dictionary and brings it completely up-to-date, while maintaining the high standard of the previous edition — Cross-referenced for ease of use New to this edition — Fully revised and updated including extensive bibliographic references, and terms covering landscape architecture — Expanded by over 200 pages — Over 50 beautiful new line drawings, including labelled cross-sections and typical period features — Includes biographies of modern architects Containing over 6,000 entries from Aalto to ziggurat , this is the most comprehensive and up-to-date dictionary of architecture available. Beautifully illustrated and written in a clear and concise style, it covers all periods of Western architectural history, from ancient times to the present day. It also includes concise biographies of leading architects, from Brunelleschi and Imhotep to Le Corbusier and Richard Rogers. The text is complimented by over 250 beautiful and meticulous line drawings, labelled cross-sections and diagrams. These include precise drawings of typical building features, making it easy for readers to identify particular period styles. The first edition of the Dictionary of Architecture received excellent reviews. Now it has been fully revised, and expanded, bringing it completely up-to-date. New entries include definitions of landscape terms, and biographies of modern architects. Each entry is followed by a mini-bibliography, with suggestions for further reading. It also contains over 50 new illustrations. This is an essential work of reference for anyone with an interest in architecture. With clear descriptions providing in-depth analysis, it is invaluable for students and professional architects, and provides a fascinating wealth of information for the general reader. |
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