What is capitalism? Is capitalism the same everywhere? Is there an alternative? The word 'capitalism' is one that is heard and used frequently, but what is capitalism really all about, and what does it mean? This Very Short Introduction addresses questions such as 'what is capital?' before discussing the history and development of capitalism through several detailed case studies, ranging from the tulipomania of 17th century Holland, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and in this new edition, the impact of the global financial crisis that started in 2007-8. James Fulcher looks at the different forms that capitalism takes in Britain, Japan, Sweden, and the United States, and explores whether capitalism has escaped the nation-state by going global. It ends by asking whether there is an alternative to capitalism, discussing socialism, communal and cooperative experiments, and the alternatives proposed by environmentalists. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Dominique, the world's first human clone, was created by Travis for selfish reasons. Then it turned out she had a mind of her own. Her remarkable and courageous journey to surpass being just a wealthy man's object makes this a saga of courage, suspense and perseverance. Along the way she has to learn about life, love, loss, and danger. Then, to her astonishment, she learns that the choices she makes will have a profound effect not only on her and her circle of acquaintances, but on all humanity. Dominique's journey is interlaced with intrigue and adventure, as she learns the meaning of being human. But in the end, it is the hard to learn human values that give her the courage to carry on.

In a world not so unlike our own, a family's sheltered lives can quickly become shattered. Political power has taken hold over people's lives, incessant propaganda is used to maintain control, there's a war that may not be real, and then a seemingly random event tosses a peaceful family's life into turmoil and upheaval. Suddenly surrounded by danger and deceit, will the family's son, Yodar, rise to the occasion? Face-to-face with life and death situations, what inner courage and forbidden powers must be summoned? The surprise appearance of an inquirist brings new questions - is she a friend to help them, or a foe filled with espionage? And what of the statuesque beauty that wants to kill - is she really evil? This exciting and readable fantasy takes place in a world that is recognizable but different. The intriguing story, filled with adventure and romance, explores the outer world that is now filled with dangerous obstacles at every turn, as well as the inner exploration required of the family to fulfill their unexpected quest.

Love lost and love found, and how perseverance can pay off in unexpected ways. Spanning a lifetime, this adventure and love story starts with a lonely old man's memories of beautiful young Meredith, his lost love. Then a lad, just coming-of-age, forces his way into the old man's life. It is their story, the profound losses and glorious triumphs, which carry through to the reader. The boy enters the old man's life and begins the long process of restoring the man's vigor and enthusiasm, but it's not a one-way path. Through trials and challenges the two of them experience a marvelous adventure in life. What unfolds is poignant and deeply meaningful for each of them, leading the way to both tragedies and fulfilling surprises. Surmounting the obstacles, against the odds, life can truly be a wondrous experience.

The fourth edition of Fulcher and Scott provides an authoritative and theoretically grounded approach to sociology, covering both classic and contemporary research. It provides the context for debate and discussion that enables students to develop their critical awareness skills. Contemporary issues such as child abuse are backed with recent research, whilst the student-centred approach adopted in this edition looks at popular culture and recent developments such as social networking and online identities. A system of consistent cross-referencing and signposting signals where topics are explored to allow easy navigation of the text. Clear links between the main text and learning features emphasize the relevance of these features. A wealth of features support students and teachers. Online Resources For students Case studies: each chapter has a case study that draws on recent sociological research and news from the popular media with questions MCQs: bank of self-marking multiple-choice questions for each chapter Web links: series of annotated web links organised by chapter Interactive revision activities Information and advice on careers: to provide guidance on careers available to students of sociology and links to sources of further information. This expands on the information on careers provided in chapter 1. For lecturers Further collection of case studies for group tutorial work and assignments, accompanied by critical thinking questions Bank of essay and short answer questions for each chapter. PowerPoint slides for lecturer presentations arranged by chapter. Comprehensive Instructor's Manual, includes lecturer outline and teaching activities. Guide to discussion points at the end of each chapter.

This comparative study uses Barrington Moore's notion of `suppressed historical alternatives' to reassess theories of industrial conflict, class organization, and state intervention. It explores the origins of organizational differences in the emergence of labour movements and the employer counter-attack, emphasizing the strength of Sweden's neglected craft unions and the forgotten attempts by British unions to build Swedish style national federations. It examines the strong tendencies towards state control in Sweden and repeated British efforts to establish joint central regulation, which have been similarly overlooked. Unfashionable institutionalist explorations of the Swedish labour peace are defended but it is also argued that the Swedish system of regulation was self-undermining. The book analyses the failure of corporatist integration in both countries and the ensuing struggle between left and right alternatives. The attempt to bring about economic and industrial democracy in Sweden, the decline of the British unions, and current tendencies towards a neo-liberal convergence, are all discussed.