Главная
 
Разделы
 
 
Oxford University Press

History of Life History of Life
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2008 Страниц: 184 Дата загрузки: 21 июня 2010
   There are few stories more remarkable than the evolution of life on earth. This Very Short Introduction presents a succinct guide to the key episodes in that story — from the very origins of life four million years ago to the extraordinary diversity of species around the globe today. Beginning with an explanation of the controversies surrounding the birth of life itself, each following chapter tells of a major breakthrough that made new forms of life possible: including sex and multicellularity, hard skeletons, and the move to land. Along the way, we witness the greatest mass extinction, the first forests, the rise of modern ecosystems, and, most recently, conscious humans. Introducing ideas from a range of scientific disciplines, from evolutionary biology and earth history, to geochemistry, palaeontology, and systematics, Michael Benton explains how modern science pieces the evidence in this vast evolutionary puzzle together, to build up an accessible and up-to-date picture of the key developments in the history of life on earth.
 
Consciousness Consciousness
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2005 Страниц: 156 Дата загрузки: 21 августа 2009
   Consciousness, 'the last great mystery for science', has now become a hot topic. How can a physical brain create our experience of the world? What creates our identity? Do we really have free will? Could consciousness itself be an illusion? Exciting new developments in brain science are opening up debates on these issues, and the field has now expanded to include biologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers. This controversial book clarifies the potentially confusing arguments, and the major theories using illustrations, lively cartoons, and experiments. Topics include vision and attention, theories of self and will, experiments on action and awareness, altered states of consciousness, and the effects of brain damage and drugs.
 
Colossus: The Secrets of Bletchley Park's Code-breaking Computers Colossus: The Secrets of Bletchley Park's Code-breaking Computers
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2010 Страниц: 480 Дата загрузки: 12 марта 2013
   At last — the secrets of Bletchley Park's powerful codebreaking computers. This is a history of Colossus, the world's first fully-functioning electronic digital computer. Colossus was used during the Second World War at the Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, where it played an invaluable role cracking enemy codes. Until very recently, much about the Colossus machine was shrouded in secrecy, largely because the codes that were employed remained in use by the British security services until a short time ago. This book only became possible due to the declassification in the US of wartime documents. With an introductory essay on cryptography and the history of code-breaking by Simon Singh, this book reveals the workings of Colossus and the extraordinary staff at Bletchley Park through personal accounts by those who lived and worked with the computer. Among them is the testimony of Thomas Flowers, who was the architect of Colossus and whose personal account, written shortly before he died, is published here for the first time. Other essays consider the historical importance of this remarkable machine, and its impact on the generations of computing technology that followed.
 
Begat: The King James Bible and the English Language Begat: The King James Bible and the English Language
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2010 Страниц: 336 Дата загрузки: 16 мая 2013
   What do the following have in common? Let there be light — A fly in the ointment — A rod of iron — New wine in old bottles Lick the dust — How are the mighty fallen — Kick against the pricks — Wheels within wheels They are all in the King James Bible. This astonishing book «has contributed far more to English in the way of idiomatic or quasi-proverbial expressions than any other literary source.» So wrote David Crystal in 2004. In Begat he returns to the subject not only to consider how a work published in 1611 could have had such influence on the language, but how it can still do so when few regularly hear the Bible and fewer still hear it in the language of Stuart England. No other version of the Bible however popular (such as the Good News Bible) or imposed upon the church (like the New English Bible) has had anything like the same influence. David Crystal shows how its words and phrases have over the centuries found independent life in the work of poets, playwrights, novelists, politicians, and journalists, and how more recently they have been taken up with enthusiasm by advertisers, Hollywood, and hip-hop. Yet the King James Bible owes much to earlier English versions, notably those by John Wycliffe in the fourteenth century and William Tyndale in the sixteenth. David Crystal reveals how much that is memorable in the King James Bible stems from its forebears. At the same time he shows how crucial were the revisions made by King James's team of translators and editors. «A person who professes to be a critic in the delicacies of the English language ought to have the Bible at his finger's ends», Lord Macaulay advised Lady Holland in 1831. Begat shows how true that remains. It will be a revelation to all who read it.
 
The Accidental Tourist: 1800 Headwords The Accidental Tourist: 1800 Headwords
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 112 Дата загрузки: 05 июня 2009
   Everyday life in Baltimore, USA, is full of problems — getting the washing done, buying groceries and dog food, avoiding the neighbors... After the death of his son and the departure of his wife, Macon's attempts to run his own life become increasingly desperate — and more and more odd. Meanwhile, he has to get on with his work, writing tourist guides for business people. Then his dog Edward starts to bite people, and he has to send for Muriel, the dog trainer. And day by day, Macon's life gets more and more complicated.
 
The Piano: 700 Headwords: Human Interest (+ Audio CD) The Piano: 700 Headwords: Human Interest (+ Audio CD)
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Дата загрузки: 7 декабря 2009
   One day, a farmer tells a farm boy to take everything out of an old building and throw it away. 'It's all rubbish', he says. In the middle of all the rubbish, the boy finds a beautiful old piano. He has never played before, but now, when his fingers touch the piano, he begins to play. He closes his eyes and the music comes to him — and the music moves his fingers. When he opens his eyes again, he knows that his life has changed forever...
 
Oxford Dictionary of Musical Terms Oxford Dictionary of Musical Terms
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2004 Страниц: 224 Дата загрузки: 08 марта 2009
   Printed music and writing about music involve the use of complex systems of notation and a wealth of technical terms in several languages. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Musical Terms provides clear, succinct, definitions of a comprehensive range of the musical terms, in English and other European languages, that are likely to be encountered in Western music. Over 2,500 A-Z entries range across a spectrum of subjects, among them: rhythm, metre, forms, genres, pitch, scales, chords, harmony and counterpoint, notational systems, composition and analysis, performance practice, tempo, expression, musical periods, artistic movements, computer applications, acoustics, and many more. Entries provide etymologies, and are fully cross-referenced. Some are illustrated with music examples and tables. An appendix lists all composers mentioned in the Dictionary, with their dates. It is an ideal book for students and teachers of music — it covers all the terms required in the SMAB musical theory exams — as well as for professional musicians, those learning to play musical instruments, and members of choirs, and musical groups. It will also be a useful quick reference book for concert-goers, CD-collectors, and radio listeners.
 
Economics of the European Union Economics of the European Union
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 464 Дата загрузки: 25 апреля 2011
   The new edition of this successful text analyses the current economic issues facing a rapidly changing Europe. The authors combine policy, history and data to present a global perspective of the EU, written with a range of students taking an introductory module in European Economics in mind. With new material on the economic relationship between the EU and the US, Enlargement and the Lisbon process the authors consider the changing landscape and Europe's development as a major global player. The authors use history, theory and analysis including comparative data to evaluate Economic policies ranging from the Common Agricultural Policy and Competition Policy to Social Policy and Monetary Policy and to assess issues such as unemployment and foreign aid. The contributors are drawn from a range of Universities such as Vienna, Manchester, Brussels, LSE and Purdue, as well as institutions such as the IMF and the European Central Bank.
 
Winnie's Jokes Winnie's Jokes
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2010 Страниц: 64 Дата загрузки: 10 октрября 2013
   How does an intruder get into Winnie's house? Intruder windows. What does an Australian witch ride on? A broomerang. With pages chock-full of Winnie's and Wilbur's favourites, Winnie's Jokes will leave children in stitches. Great for sharing with family and friends.
 
Winnie the Witch: Three Story Treasury Winnie the Witch: Three Story Treasury
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 80 Дата загрузки: 14 февраля 2009
   This fantastic volume includes three of Winnie and Wilbur's crazy capers, with fabulous new cover artwork from Korky Paul. Meet them in their black house, take a hazardous ride on Winnie's broomstick and join them on a hot and sunny winter's day! This collection is a must-have purchase for Winnie fans everywhere and, for those who have yet to meet everyone's favourite witch, it is a book that is guaranteed to make readers the best of friends with Winnie and her big black cat, Wilbur!
 
The Twelve Days of Christmas The Twelve Days of Christmas
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 32 Дата загрузки: 15 июня 2009
   The Twelve Days of Christmas captures all the joy and fun of Christmas-time. Here is the glitter, the excitement, and the festivity of the happiest time of the year. Brian Wildsmith has painted magical, vivid scenes to accompany each verse of this well-known, well-loved traditional Christmas song. This is a wonderfully festive book from one of our most internationally acclaimed picture-book writers and artists. It is a joy to share with children, and children love to join in with the cumulative building of the song's lyrics. First published in 1972, we are delighted to be bringing out a new edition of this lovely Christmas book, with a stunning new cover design.
 
Scary Poems to Make You Shiver Scary Poems to Make You Shiver
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2006 Страниц: 64 Дата загрузки: 10 октрября 2009
   Love that tingly feeling when you're scared? Want to give your sister or brother the shivers? This book is packed full of scary poems to enjoy alone (do you dare?), or to read to others. Ghosts, haunted houses, spiders, dracula, monsters and many more make an appearance in different spooky ways — by poets such as Charles Causley, Richard Edwards, Eric Finney, and Philip Gross. Get those goosebumps going!
 
Christopher Nibble Christopher Nibble
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2010 Страниц: 32 Дата загрузки: 15 июня 2012
   Christopher Nibble loves munching dandelion leaves. And he's not alone. All the guinea pigs in Dandeville eat dandelion leaves for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But no-one seems to do anything when the dandelions begin to dwindle. They just carry on munching. In fact the guinea pigs of Dandeville are heading for eco-disaster... But that's where Christopher Nibble steps in. He discovers the last dandelion growing outside his bedroom window and, rather than eat it, he does his horticultural research in the library and then nurtures the dandelion patiently until it has produced a perfect head of tiny seeds. Then he blows the seeds from a hill high over Dandeville so that each dandelion seedling takes root and grows into a new plant. Charlotte Middleton has illustrated her witty, quirky story with charming collage illustrations and her guinea pigs are the most endearing, funky little characters you are ever likely to meet.
 
Christmas Unicorn Christmas Unicorn
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 32 Дата загрузки: 15 июня 2009
   Christmas is just days away. A little girl called Milly and her Mum are staying at Grandpa's house. Dad has been kept away but will join them just as soon as he can. But Milly feels a little forlorn, away from her friends and without her Dad. And then something wonderful happens. Milly meets Florian, a unicorn. One snowy night, he patters into Grandpa's house and transforms Milly's Christmas, filling it with friendship, surprise and sparkle. And somehow, Florian makes all Milly's wishes come true. Anna Currey has crafted a beautifully written and sensitively illustrated picture book that will delight every generation as families come together at Christmas.
 
International Relations: A very Short Introduction International Relations: A very Short Introduction
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2007 Страниц: 144 Дата загрузки: 20 декабря 2009
   Exploring a range of issues from foreign policy, arms, and terrorism, to the environment and world poverty, Paul Wilkinson covers the topics essential to an understanding of modern international relations. Examining the role of superpowers, and the influence of organizations such as the UN and EU, as well as ethnic and religious movements around the world, he shows how they all variously shape the way states and governments interact. This up-to-date book is required reading for those seeking a new perspective to help untangle and decipher events in a world of growing political tension and unease.
 
Winnie Takes the Plunge Winnie Takes the Plunge
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2011 Страниц: 96 Дата загрузки: 15 апреля 2015
   Winnie is not afraid of taking the plunge. In 'Winnie's Mouse Organ' Winnie discovers that the little rodents who share her house have undiscovered musical talents; in 'Winnie's Snowball' Winnie unwittingly magics a snowman into the rather dangerous 'abominable' variety; in 'Winnie's Giant Party' Winnie helps Jerry, her giant next-door neighbour, to get into the party mood; and in 'Winnie Takes the Plunge' disaster strikes when Winnie gets flushed down her loo and ends up trapped by a merman under the ocean waves until Wilbur stages a bold rescue. Four crazily funny stories featuring everyone's favourite witch, her big black cat, Wilbur, and a zany supporting cast of new characters. Korky Paul's exuberant black line illustrations complement the humour, slapstick, and moments of real drama that run through each story. Pure magic!
 
Winnie Shapes Up Winnie Shapes Up
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2011 Страниц: 96 Дата загрузки: 15 апреля 2015
   Winnie knows she needs to shape up. In 'Ssshh! Winnie' Winnie takes part in a sponsored silence and, although she can't stop herself talking, her stories keep the little ordinaries completely quiet for hours on end; in 'Flipping Winnie' Winnie enters a pancake race in the village fete with hilarious consequences; in 'Where's Winnie?' she can't work out how to programme her broomstick navigation system and ends up being kidnapped by aliens; and in 'Winnie Shapes Up' she causes chaos in the local gym-when the weights become weightless and the swimmers discover they're sharing their pool with a shark! Four crazily funny stories featuring everyone's favourite witch, her big black cat, Wilbur, and a zany supporting cast of new characters. Korky Paul's exuberant black line illustrations complement the humour, slapstick, and moments of real drama that run through each story. Pure magic!
 
When Chico Went Fishing When Chico Went Fishing
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2011 Страниц: 32 Дата загрузки: 15 июня 2013
   Chico's father is an expert at fishing. He has a proper fishing rod, and a very expensive fishing kit. But when Chico asks to go along on his father's fishing trip, the answer is 'no'. Chico will talk too much and scare the fish away, his father says. He'll fidget and fuss, and get in the way. Off his father goes with his fishing tackle, through the jungle to make a catch. Close to tears, Chico sets off alone along a different route. 'I'm not too young! I could sit still! I wouldn't scare the fish away!' he says. And by the time he reaches the river he is determined to prove just that... Meanwhile, Chico's father finds that preparation is not always the key to success, with hilarious results. There is much to delight in this tale of clever, resourceful Chico, and his not-so-wise — nor lucky — father in their fishing endeavours.
 
Tales of the Norse Gods Tales of the Norse Gods
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2001 Страниц: 160 Дата загрузки: 25 мая 2009
   A classic collection of stories by one of the best-known and most esteemed retellers of the last fifty years. Enter a world of cunning, trickery, and revenge... Encounter bold warriors, courageous women, strength in battle and bravery against the odds. These are the stories of the Viking gods. Drama and action abound as legendary heroes struggle against mighty giants, loathsome beasts, and sinister dwarves — even as they fight amongst themselves. First published over forty years ago, this edition has sold continuously since. The subject of myths and legends ties in with the National Curriculum, as does the subject of vikings. The author is significant, one of the best-known retellers.
 
Tales from China Tales from China
Автор: Жанр: Oxford University Press Издательство: Oxford University Press Год: 2000 Страниц: 208 Дата загрузки: 16 февраля 2009
   This collection of Chinese stories begins with the great legends of how Earth and Heaven came into being, and of how the archer Yi rid the Emperor Yao of the menace of the ten suns. There are folk-tales too, about ghosts and rain-makers, poor students and magicians, and the man who was nearly made into fish paste. Throughout all these stories, the author has kept the subtle oriental flavour of the originals and brings to life all the magic and mystery of China.
 


 

 

2011–2024

Рейтинг@Mail.ru