Oxford University Press

Throughout history, to the present day, witchcraft raises questions about the distinction between reality and fantasy, faith and proof. This Very Short Introduction explores witchcraft, both as a contemporary phenomenon and a historical subject. It looks at witch-beliefs and accusations around the world, from pre-history to the present.

Why are we here? What's the point of existence? For those who are unsatisfied by the answers of traditional religion, and equally by the lack of answers from atheism, Philip Goff opens up a path between the two. He argues for cosmic purpose: the idea that the universe is directed towards certain goals, such as the emergence of intelligent life.

This book aims to explain, in clear non-technical language,what it is that mathematicians do, and how that differs from and builds on the mathematics that most people are familiar with from school. It is the ideal introduction for anyone who wishes to deepen their understanding of mathematics.

A. C. Grayling's accessible introduction to Wittgenstein's work describes both his early and later philosophy, the differences and connections between them, and gives a fresh assessment of Wittgenstein's continuing influence on contemporary thought.

A compelling story of resilience, resourcefulness, and hope. Driven from her home by war, Isabella must make the daunting journey from Italy to England. In Swallow Fell, Isabella meets other children like her - surviving in an uncertain world. But can Isabella and her new found friends learn to not simply survive but to thrive?

The Irish experience of Christianity has never been simple or uncomplicated. Here, Crawford Gribben describes the ancient emergence, long dominance, sudden division, and recent decline of Ireland's most important religion, as a way of telling the history of the island and its peoples, from earliest times to the present day.

This Companion is the first place to look for information on authors, illustrators, printers, publishers, and others involved in children's literature, and on the stories and characters at their centre. Written both to entertain and to instruct, it is a reference work that no-one interested in the world of children's books should be without

M. A. S. Abdel Haleem's acclaimed translation of the Qur'an is now published with the original Arabic text to give a greater appreciation and understanding of the holy book. The traditional Arabic calligraphic pages are displayed alongside the English translation; the text is accompanied by an invaluable introduction, notes, and an index.

This newly compiled and researched dictionary contains entries for more than 45,000 English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, Cornish, and immigrant surnames. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland is the ultimate reference work on family names of the UK.

Photographers often depict Ireland with bucolic rural landscapes, but during the twentieth century, men and women across Ireland picked up cameras to create and curate photographs revealing more complex and diverse images of Ireland. Snapshot Stories Uses diverse photographic archives, both professional and personal, to explore these stories.

Kitty is looking after her friend's pet hamster, Marvin, for the weekend when disaster strikes and he is kidnapped! It's time for Superhero Kitty to leap into action to rescue Marvin and bring him home before the night is out.