New Religious Movements: A Guide for the Perplexed examines the phenomenon of new faiths and alternative spiritualities which has become a feature of the contemporary world. Those interested in the spiritual dimension to life are no longer limited to the major world faiths, but can draw upon a rapidly-expanding range of new religions. Some of these are derived from the major religions, some are a re-working of ancient traditions, while others signify a completely new departure in spiritual experience. This book analyses the concepts we use to discuss new religions, and surveys a range of different movements which were established in the second half of the 20th century. Paul Oliver explores the organization of the movements, and the psychological aspects of life within them; the distribution of power and authority within movements; the position of women in relation to such organizations, and finally, the nature of the evolution and expansion of such movements in relation to post-modern society. This book is ideal for students wishing to understand the more perplexing elements of this contemporary phenomenon. >

The first comprehensive reference work on popular music of the world Contributors are the world's leading popular music scholars Includes extensive bibliographies, discographies, sheet music listings and filmographies This second volume consists of some 460 entries by 130 contributors from around the world. Entries range between 250 and 5000 words, and are arranged in four parts: Part I: Performers and Performing; Part II: Musical Production and Transmission; Part III: Musical Instruments; Part IV: Musical Forms and Practice. Entries include musical examples, bibliographies, discographies and filmographies. An extensive index is also provided. Contents: Preface Part I: Performers and Performing Groups Individuals Performance Techniques Part II: Musical Production and Transmission Personnel Processes: Interpretative/Technological Technologies Part III: Musical Instruments Found Instruments Guitars Keyboard Instruments Mechanical Instruments Percussion Instruments Stringed Instruments Voice Wind Instruments Part IV: Musical Form and Practice Form Harmony Melody Rhythm The Piece Timbre Words, Images and Movement Index

"Broadcasting the Blues: Black Blues in the Segregation Era "is based on Paul Oliver's award-winning radio broadcasts from the BBC that were created over several decades. It traces the social history of the blues in America, from its birth in the rural South through the heyday of sound recordings. Noted blues scholar Paul Oliver draws on decades of research and personal interviews with performers -- some of whom he "discovered" and recorded for the first time -- to draw a picture of how the blues aesthetic developed, giving new insights into the role blues played in American society before racial integration.
The book begins by outlining the history of the blues from African music through country stomps, ragtime songs, and field hollers. From the heroic figures of black folksong -- including the steel-driving railroad worker John Henry and the destructive Boll Weevil -- to the content of the emerging blues, the author discusses the "meaning" behind the often coded words of the blues, evoking topics such as playful sexuality, magic and medicine, the stresses of segregation, and commentary on national events. Finally, the author traces the history of blues documentation, showing how our views of the early blues have been shaped through a complex interplay of social forces, and indicating possible lines for future research.

This is a guide to mysticism: one of the most enduring and fascinating aspects of religious life, and one of the most difficult to unpick. Mysticism is one of the most enduring and fascinating aspects of religious life, and one of the most difficult to unpick. It has, over the centuries, inspired many of the leading figures in different faiths to seek a sense of union with God or with the spiritual forces in the universe, and is increasingly part of the spiritual mainstream. Designed for students grappling with this complicated area, this will enable readers to understand the nature of mysticism, and to examine in detail the traditional methods used by mystics in seeking an intimate understanding of the spiritual world. Including a detailed survey of mystical trends within all the main world religions, and case studies of the lives of important mystics, "Mysticism: A Guide for the Perplexed" also examines the nature of the mystical lifestyle, and examines the extent to which ordinary people can develop a sense of personal mysticism. "Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

In the 1920s, Southern record companies ventured to cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and New Orleans, where they set up primitive recording equipment in makeshift studios. They brought in street singers, medicine show performers, pianists from the juke joints and barrelhouses. The music that circulated through Southern work camps, prison farms, and vaudeville shows would be lost to us if it hadn't been captured on location by these performers and recorders. Eminent blues historian Paul Oliver uncovers these folk traditions and the circumstances under which they were recorded, rescuing the forefathers of the blues who were lost before they even had a chance to be heard. A careful excavation of the earliest recordings of the blues by one of its foremost experts, Barrelhouse Blues expands our definition of that most American style of music.

The West has drawn upon Hinduism on a wide scale, from hatha yoga and meditation techniques, to popular culture in music and fashion, yet studies to date have only looked tangentially at the contribution of Hinduism to the counter-culture of the 1960s. Hinduism and the 1960s looks at the youth culture of the 1960s and early 1970s, and the way in which it was influenced by Hinduism and Indian culture. It examines the origins of the 1960s counter-culture in the Beat movement of the 1950s, and their interest in eastern religion, notably Zen. When the Beatles visited India to study transcendental meditation, there was a rapid expansion in interest in Hinduism. Young people were already heading east on the so-called 'Hippie Trail', looking for spiritual enlightenment and an escape from the material lifestyle of the west. Paul Oliver examines the lifestyle which they adopted, from living in ashrams to experimenting with drugs, sexual liberation, ayurvedic medicine and yoga. Ultimately, Hinduism and the 1960s analyses the interaction between Hinduism and the west, and the way in which each affected the other.Finally, the book discusses the ways in which contemporary western society has learned from the ancient religion of Hinduism, and incorporated such teachings as yoga, meditation and a natural holistic lifestyle, into daily life. Each chapter contains a chapter summary and further reading guidance, and a glossary is included at the end of the book, making this ideal reading for courses on Hinduism, Indian religions, and religion and popular cultur

Using Qualitative Methods to Answer Your Research Question provides an accessible and detailed guide to using qualitative methods in social science research. This book places your research question at the centre of your choice of methodology and helps you to identify the strongest qualitative approach to maximize your success. The book provides detailed guidance on: *Types of research questions best suited to investigation using qualitative approaches *Selecting a research question and applying the appropriate methodology *Relating the aims of a research question to the nature of the methodology chosen *The main approaches to the collection and analysis of qualitative data *Using qualitative methods in your research *The different levels of detail required of undergraduate and postgraduate writing This book is ideal for all students carrying out a research dissertation or planning the research for their thesis. "Oliver's book is an interesting and engaging personal introduction to qualitative research and would be a useful text for first time researchers on undergraduate courses or as a pre-course suggested reading for those starting postgraduate research programmes." Alaster Scott Douglas, Reader in Education and Professional Practice, University of Roehampton, London, UK "Accessible, clear and with the needs of the researcher in mind, this book ensures the fundamentals of qualitative research are explored through enthusiasm for the subject matter, an appreciation of the conceptual and philosophical underpinnings, as well as the practicalities of planning and conducting research." Dr. Yunis Alam, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Bradford, UK Paul Oliver is a former Principal Lecturer in the School of Education and Professional Development, at the University of Huddersfield, UK. He was course leader for the Doctor of Education programme, and also taught widely on the master's programme in education.

In recent years education has become increasingly perceived as an area of risk. A number of highly publicised incidents have heightened awareness of the potential dangers to be found in teaching intuitions. Although there is now a substantial conceptual literature on risk and the meaning of the risk society, such ideas have not to date been rigorously applied to the educational sector. The authors of this innovative volume, first published in 2005, address this gap, discussing the relevance of risk discourses of educational processes. This book will greatly interest both sociologists and educationalists interested in the interaction between education and contemporary trends in society.

This book combines three influential and much-quoted books Savannah Syncopators; Blacks, Whites and Blues and Recording the Blues, updated with additional new essays, which collectively confront the problem of how, when and from where the blues emerged and developed. It emphasizes the significance of the African heritage, the mutuality of much white and black music and the role of recording in consolidating the blues. Redressing some of the misconceptions that persist in writing on African-American music, it will be essential reading for all enthusiasts of blues, jazz and country music.

The first world atlas ever compiled on vernacular architecture, this comprehensive work illustrates the variety and ingenuity of the world s vernacular building traditions from a multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural and comparative approach, using over sixty world and regional maps.

Mapping such diverse aspects as materials and resources, technologies, structural systems, symbolism, forms and service systems on a cross-cultural and comparative basis, the Atlas of Vernacular Architecture of the World reveals the distribution, diversity and relationships of the world s vernacular building traditions. Indicating geographical patterns, developments, lacunae and anomalies, it gives rise to new insights and understandings, stimulating new hypotheses, questions and research efforts.

Augmenting the award-winning Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture of the World, the Atlas of Vernacular Architecture of the World constitutes a unique and unparalleled resource for anyone involved in the growing field of vernacular architecture studies, including architects, geographers, art historians, planners, folklorists, conservationists, builders, and anthropologists as well as being of use to all those working in the fields of heritage conservation, architecture, regeneration, energy efficient building, resources management, development and sustainability."

First published in 1999, this volume recognises that lifelong and continuing education is one of the main issues on the educational stage. In the United Kingdom it is a key feature of the government's educational initiative as reflected in the Green Paper, 'The Learning Age: a Renaissance for a New Britain' [DfEE, 1988]. This book provides a range of contributions to the current debate from academic practitioners. It includes both theoretical discussions and empirically-based studies. Lifelong learning continues to raise important educational questions which are relevant in many countries. These include issues concerning how to enable individuals to reach their potential for self-fulfilment; how to ensure that educational opportunities are interesting and available to all; and how to ensure that a nation's workforce is adaptable and well-educated. Each chapter explores a dimension of such fundamental questions.

The study of vernacular architecture explores the characteristics of domestic buildings in particular regions or localities, and the many social and cultural factors that have contributed to their evolution. In this book, vernacular architecture specialist Paul Oliver brings together a wealth of information that spans over two decades, and the whole globe. Some previously unpublished papers, as well as those only available in hard to find conference proceedings, are brought together in one volume to form a fascinating reference for students and professional architects, as well as all those involved with planning housing schemes in their home countries and overseas.

The first comprehensive reference work on popular music of the world Contributors are the world's leading popular music scholars Includes extensive bibliographies, discographies, sheet music listings and filmographies This is the first volume in a series of encyclopedic works covering popular music of the world. Consisting of some 500 entries by 130 contributors from around the world. Entries range between 250 and 5000 words, and is arranged in two Parts: Part 1: SOcial and Cultural Dimensions, covering the social phenomena of relevance to the practice of popular music. Part II: The Industry, covers all aspects of the popular music industry, such as copyright, instrumental manufacture, management and marketing, record corporations, studios, companies, and labels. Entries include bibliographies, discographies and filmographies, and an extensive index is provided. Contents: Preface List of contributors List of abbreviations Arrangement of the Material Part I: Social and Cultural Dimensions Documentation Popular Music Studies Social Phenomena Stylistic and Textual Dimensions Venues Part II: The Industry General Terms Audio Technical Terms Broadcasting Copyright Deals and Contracts The Film Industry and Popular Music Instrument Manufacture Management and Marketing Publishing Recording: Record Corporations: Recording Studios; Record Labels/Companies Unions Index

""An excellent and accessible text that will help all students and scholars to develop a strong review and enable them to outline and analyse the key ideas for their study. The structure of the book is really well thought out and the chapters are written in a way which readers will find helpful and easy to understand. I would highly recommend this book to research students."
Professor Mark Brundrett, Liverpool John Moores University, UK

" This step-by-step handbook provides comprehensive and practical guidance on the process of researching a range of relevant literature on a subject, as well as planning and writing a literature review. The book takes a student friendly approach to offer complete novices a simple review of a process which is often central to producing a research study.

"Succeeding with your Literature Review" will enable you to: Design a literature review which is related to the main facets of a research project Conduct a logically-planned search for relevant literature Determine which literature is most suited to inclusion in your study Analyse the literature, drawing comparisons and connections where appropriate Appraise the strengths and weaknesses of relevant literature Write logically and rationally about the key features of literature Write a literature review in a sound academic style Understand how to relate a literature review to other elements of your study or dissertation Written by an author with extensive experience of supervising and examining undergraduate, Masters and doctoral dissertations, this book covers the latest trends, such as: RSS feeds, wikis, grey literature, blogs and forms of open access publishing. The book also includes examples of common pitfalls, good practice, key terms and questions to reinforce student learning and reflection.

"Succeeding with your Literature Review" is relevant in all subject areas and is essential reading for third year undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In recent years education has become increasingly perceived as an area of risk. A number of highly publicised incidents have heightened awareness of the potential dangers to be found in teaching intuitions. Although there is now a substantial conceptual literature on risk and the meaning of the risk society, such ideas have not to date been rigorously applied to the educational sector. The authors of this innovative volume, first published in 2005, address this gap, discussing the relevance of risk discourses of educational processes. This book will greatly interest both sociologists and educationalists interested in the interaction between education and contemporary trends in society.

Why should every researcher consider the ethical implications of their work? What constitutes ethical research? How can best practice be maintained throughout a research project? This reader-friendly book examines the ethical issues and questions that occur in university and professional research and will help both beginning and experienced researchers to identify ethical issues when they are conducting research.

The book thoroughly examines the broader ethical issues that arise throughout research, from the design stage through to data collection and analysis. It also investigates topical issues such as content, confidentiality and ethical questions in the dissemination of research. There are also discussions of ethical theories as well as case studies that highlight dilemmas and how they can be avoided or resolved.

This new edition is thoroughly updated to reflect the greater emphasis researchers must now place on ethics and includes information on: Ethical concerns of the internet and technology Regulatory frameworks and research governance Ethical requirements of funding bodies The involvement of research participants in research design Codes of ethics within different disciplines 'Ethical Dialogue' and 'Ethical Dilemmas' boxes feature throughout the book in order to highlight key issues.

There are also further reading sections at the end of each chapter as well as expanded coverage of plagiarism. "The Student's Guide to Research Ethics" is an invaluable tool for both undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as professionals who research as part of their jobs.

This original study reveals that the emphasis on blues has drawn attention away from other rich and important vocal traditions such as Southern rural dance music and the comic and social songs and ballads of travelling entertainment shows. Includes a guide to reissued recordings and indexes of approximately 500 artists and 700 song titles.

This book combines three influential and much-quoted books Savannah Syncopators; Blacks, Whites and Blues and Recording the Blues, updated with additional new essays, which collectively confront the problem of how, when and from where the blues emerged and developed. It emphasizes the significance of the African heritage, the mutuality of much white and black music and the role of recording in consolidating the blues. Redressing some of the misconceptions that persist in writing on African-American music, it will be essential reading for all enthusiasts of blues, jazz and country music.

This is a new, thoroughly revised edition of Paul Oliver's classic study of the blues. First published in 1960, this remarkable book has not been superseded and its reappearance will be welcomed by all who wish to understand the complexity of meaning in the blues and the experiences which they expressed. The book examines the functions of the blues as black American folk music recorded during the 78 rpm era, from the 1920s to the 1950s. The lyrics are quoted extensively throughout the book, revealing their significance as a means of communication within black society. The author shows how the themes of labour and unemployment, migration and the Depression years, love, sex, and marriage, crime, violence and imprisonment, disasters, sickness, war and death are expressed in black idioms and he discusses their meaning on many levels.

'Written in an authoritative and accessible style, this is a must-read for anyone planning, researching and writing a doctoral thesis or dissertation. I will certainly be recommending this book to my research students.' - Professor Goeffrey Elliott, University of Worcester 'Paul's book was a lifeline during my doctorate: it is now the first book that I recommend for my research students! His book is easily accessible, full of practical advice, and provides useful study strategies to carefully guide you - this third edition is a valuable asset wherever you are on your doctoral journey.' - Dr Scott Buckler, University of Worcester Based on his extensive experience as a successful thesis supervisor, Paul Oliver shows you how to turn your notes and data into a finished Masters or PhD thesis or dissertation. Fully up-to-date with current HEFCE/other EU requirements, the book sets out a template for you to follow, including planning and preparation, theoretical perspectives, publishing preliminary findings, and preparing for the viva. This edition contains: Examples of common mistakes and how you can avoid them Discussions of artefacts such as creative work Research-focused content A section on the relationship with your supervisor Information on online and digital work, so you are up to date with the latest developments in thesis writing. The Student Success series are essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to planning your dream career, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university.

The West has drawn upon Hinduism on a wide scale, from hatha yoga and meditation techniques, to popular culture in music and fashion, yet studies to date have only looked tangentially at the contribution of Hinduism to the counter-culture of the 1960s. Hinduism and the 1960s looks at the youth culture of the 1960s and early 1970s, and the way in which it was influenced by Hinduism and Indian culture. It examines the origins of the 1960s counter-culture in the Beat movement of the 1950s, and their interest in eastern religion, notably Zen. When the Beatles visited India to study transcendental meditation, there was a rapid expansion in interest in Hinduism. Young people were already heading east on the so-called 'Hippie Trail', looking for spiritual enlightenment and an escape from the material lifestyle of the west. Paul Oliver examines the lifestyle which they adopted, from living in ashrams to experimenting with drugs, sexual liberation, ayurvedic medicine and yoga. Ultimately, Hinduism and the 1960s analyses the interaction between Hinduism and the west, and the way in which each affected the other.Finally, the book discusses the ways in which contemporary western society has learned from the ancient religion of Hinduism, and incorporated such teachings as yoga, meditation and a natural holistic lifestyle, into daily life. Each chapter contains a chapter summary and further reading guidance, and a glossary is included at the end of the book, making this ideal reading for courses on Hinduism, Indian religions, and religion and popular cultur

Welcome to the World of CNC. (Computerized Numerical Control) The following information in this book will cover everything you need to know to get your CNC machine up and running without including all the stuff you don't need to know. Believe me, there's a lot more unnecessary Information out there. Have you ever wondered about the mysteries of CNC but figured it was only for a select number of experts? Wrong Anyone who can turn on a computer can create projects on a CNC machine, and with the price of CNC's as cheap as $2000 complete and ready to go then why don't you give it a go?