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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.

BooksJournals

    • The Perception of Pictures

      • 1st Edition
      • May 10, 2014
      • Margaret A. Hagen
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      Durer's Devices: Beyond the Projective Model of Pictures is a collection of papers that discusses the nature of picture making and perception. One paper presents a perceptual theory of pictorial representation in which cultural and historical options in styles of depiction that appear to be different are actually closely related perceptually. Another paper discusses pictorial functions and perceptual structures including pictorial representation, perceptual theory, flat canvass, and the deep world. One paper suggests that perception can be more a matter of information "make up" than "pick up." Light becomes somewhat informative and the eye, correspondingly, becomes less or more presumptive. Another paper notes that human vision is transformed by our modes of representation, that image formation can be essentially incomplete, false, or misleading (primarily as regards dramatic performance and pictorial representation). One paper makes three claims that: (1) the blind have untapped depiction abilities; (2) haptics, involving the sense of touch, have an intuitive sense of perspective; and (3) depiction is perceptual based on graphic elements and pictorial configurations. The collection is suitable for psychologists, physiologists, psychophysicists, and researchers in human perception or phenomenology.

    • On Understanding Grammar

      • 1st Edition
      • May 10, 2014
      • Talmy Givón
      • Harry A Whitaker
      • English
      • Paperback
        9 7 8 0 1 2 2 8 5 4 5 1 4
      • eBook
        9 7 8 1 4 8 3 2 5 9 9 3 2
      On Understanding Grammar covers the interdependencies among the various aspects of linguistics and the human language. This eight-chapter text considers some pertinent topics in linguistics, such as discourse-pragmatics... diachronic syntax, topology, creology, method, and ontology. Chapter 1 describes the notions of fact, theory, and explanation, particularly about how these notions manifest themselves in actual practice. Chapter 2 redefines syntax in terms of communicative function and discourse-pragmatics... and about the relation between the function of grammatical devices and their formal properties. Chapter 3 deals with discourse-pragmatics and how it transcends the narrow bounds of deductive logic, as well as the function and ontology of negation in language, and how those relate to the fundamental information-theoreti... principle of figure versus ground. Chapter 4 explores the two major aspects of case systems, namely, the semantic role and pragmatic function, and how the two interact in determining the typological characteristics of grammars. Chapter 5 examines the relation between discourse and syntax based on diachronic, ontogenetic, phylogenetic viewpoints. Chapter 6 tackles the relation between synchronic grammar and diachronic change, while Chapter 7 describes the relationship between human language and its phylogenetic evolution. Chapter 8 is about language and ontology, as well as the relation between cognition and the universe. This book will prove useful to linguistics and language researchers.

    • Maya Subsistence

      • 1st Edition
      • June 28, 2014
      • Kent V. Flannery
      • English
      • eBook
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      Maya Subsistence: Studies in Memory of Dennis E. Puleston presents studies on the history and development of Maya subsistence in honor of Maya archaeologist Dennis E. Puleston (1940-1978). The discussions are organized around four themes: ecological models for early Maya adaptations; archaeological investigations of Pre-classic and classic Maya subsistence; contributions of geography and soil science to an understanding of ancient Maya subsistence; and Maya subsistence in the post-classic, colonial, and modern eras. Comprised of 15 chapters, this book begins with an analysis of Puleston's career and a review of the history of inquiry into Maya subsistence. Maya subsistence from the earliest Pre-classic period up to the present day is then examined, with emphasis on agriculture, hunting, wild plant collecting, animal husbandry, and trade. In particular, cultural development in the Valley of Guatemala from 1500 B.C. to the Spanish Conquest is discussed, along with the resources of the tropical lowlands and actual prehistoric cornfields miraculously preserved by volcanic ashfall in El Salvador. The book also presents evidence for Maya soil and water conservation over the entire area from Yucatan to Chiapas and central Guatemala, and looks at the traditional role of women and animals in lowland Maya economy. This monograph will be of interest to archaeologists and anthropologists.

    • Some Nineteenth Century British Scientists

      • 1st Edition
      • May 17, 2014
      • R. Harré
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      Some Nineteenth Century British Scientists presents the biographies of eight British scientists who represent the state of science in the second half of the Victorian era: Charles Wyville Thomson, James Murray, Arthur Cayley, Francis Galton, William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, Norman Lockyer, Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, and William Ramsay. This book is comprised of seven chapters and begins by focusing on the contributions and achievements of Charles Wyville Thomson in the fields of natural history, marine biology, and deep-sea exploration, especially his expedition aboard H.M.S. Challenger, and of James Murray in oceanography. Subsequent chapters discuss the works of Arthur Cayley (mathematics), Francis Galton (exploration, anthropology, and eugenics), and William Thomson, Lord Kelvin (mathematical physics). The achievements of Norman Lockyer (astrophysics), Sidney Gilchrist Thomas (inventor of the Thomas-Gilchrist process for eliminating phosphorus in the Bessemer converter), and William Ramsay (chemistry) are also considered. This monograph will be a useful resource for students and scientists alike.

    • Society, Schools, and Progress in Japan

      • 1st Edition
      • May 18, 2014
      • Tetsuya Kobayashi
      • English
      • eBook
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      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.

    • The Craft of Social Anthropology

      • 1st Edition
      • May 19, 2014
      • A. L. Epstein
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      The Craft of Social Anthropology focuses on the methodologies, approaches, and techniques used in the study of social anthropology, as well as anthropological analysis of marriage, divorce, and religious rituals. The book first discusses intensive study of small sample communities and quantification in social anthropology, including quantification and anthropological approach, role of quantification, types of quantitative data, and data collection and processing. The manuscript then examines the frequency of divorce. Topics include divorce ratios, marriage classified by duration, divorce without mortality, and risks of divorce. The text focuses on genealogies, as well as genealogies and pedigrees, terminological and prescriptive diagrams, and illustrative genealogical diagrams. The manuscript also ponders on the extended-case method and situational analysis and data of economics in anthropological analysis. Saora rituals, shamanism, and witchcraft are also discussed. The publication is a vital reference for readers interested in social anthropology.

    • Practices of Archaeological Stratigraphy

      • 1st Edition
      • June 28, 2014
      • Edward C. Harris
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      Practices of Archaeological Stratigraphy brings together a number of examples which illustrate the development and use of the Harris Matrix in describing and interpreting archaeological sites. This matrix, the theory of which is described in two editions of the previous book by Harris, Principles of Archaeological Stratigaphy, made possible for the first time a simple diagramatic representation of the strategraphic sequence of a site, no matter how complex. The Harris Matrix, by showing in one diagram all three linear dimensions, plus time, represents a quantum leap over the older methods which relied on sample sections only.In this book 17 essays present a sample of new work demonstrating the strengths and uses of the Harris Matrix, the first ever published collection of papers devoted solely to stratigraphy in archaeology. The crucial relationships between the Harris methods, open-area excavation techniques, the interpretation of interfaces, and the use of single-context plans and recording sheets, is clarified by reference to specific sites. These sites range from medieval Europe, through Mayan civilizations to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. This book will be of great value to all those involved in excavating and recording archaeological sites and should help to ensure that the maximum amount of stratigraphic information can be gathered from future investigations.

    • Exemplar-Based Knowledge Acquisition

      • 1st Edition
      • May 10, 2014
      • Ray Bareiss
      • B. Chandrasekaran
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      Exemplar-Based Knowledge Acquisition: A Unified Approach to Concept Representation, Classification, and Learning covers the fundamental issues in cognitive science and the technology for solving real problems. This text contains six chapters and begins with a description of the rationale for the design of Protos Approach, its construction and performance. The succeeding chapters discuss how the Protos approach meets the requirements of representing concepts, using them for classification, and acquiring them from available training. These chapters also deal with the design and implementation of Protos. These topics are followed by a presentation of examples of the application of Protos to audiology and evaluate its performance. The final chapters survey related work in the areas of case-based reasoning and automated knowledge acquisition and the contributions of Protos approach. This book will be of great value to psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers in the field of artificial intelligence.

    • Society, Schools and Progress in Australia

      • 1st Edition
      • May 17, 2014
      • P. H. Partridge
      • Edmund King
      • English
      • Paperback
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      • eBook
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      Society, Schools, and Progress in Australia focuses on the principles, methodologies, practices, and measures employed in education in Australia. The book first offers information on historical influences and organization of public education. Discussions focus on local communities and schools, teaching in state schools, administration within states, educational policy, secondary education, geographical and social background, centralization, question of state aid, and background of the education acts. The book then ponders on schools and society, pattern of higher education, and teachers. Topics include economic change, organization of technical education, future development of technical colleges, adult education, diversification of tertiary education, teaching in universities, and reorganization of secondary education. The text examines education and national growth, including changing balance of the federation, social teaching, quality of teachers, aspects of national development, and social change and educational change. The manuscript is a dependable reference for students, teachers, and educators wanting to study the form of education in Australia.

    • Science and the Second Renaissance of Europe

      • 1st Edition
      • May 18, 2014
      • A. Danzin
      • English
      • Paperback
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      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.

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