Given the dog’s breakfast nature of the A-level communication studies syllabus- some sociology mixed with social psychology plus a smidgen of management studies with the occasional dash of history - it’s hardly surprising that there should be so many pig’s ear textbooks around.

Communication Studies: the essential introduction is not one of them. Well written, organised and inventive, it sets standards by which future textbooks will be judged. The authors show a sure touch in covering most of the established subject areas, referring throughout to the ideas of Maslow, de Saussure and Gerbner, while their choice of numerous visual texts is entertaining and instructive.

Interesting activities are suggested, a comprehensive glossary is provided and there is some useful advice on exam preparation.

Any grumbles should be set against the general excellence, therefore. The second edition should make sure that several difficult technical terms must not, as here, precede their explanation, and that Bill Shankley (sic) should be given due recognition as the former manager of Liverpool FC, especially in a context that focuses on Manchester United. Failure to do so could damage sales in the red half of Liverpool, at least.

Laurence Alster