For Dummies

For Dummies ( For Dummies in the original English [ fədʌmiz ] ) is an extensive series of fiction books in paperback format. According to publishing the books convey in a well prepared and easily more comprehensible form complex issues to readers who are largely inexperienced in each topic being discussed.

Word Meaning

Dummy The word has many meanings (see also dummy), including " silly " or " beginner ", but the publisher stresses that the title of the original order was taken and the books are not literally for stupid people. What is meant is rather the meaning of " XY for laymen " or "XY for all."

Characteristics

The series is based on the franchise principle: Various freelance writers write on various topics under the same title. The books of the series mainly have the same appearance, a yellow envelope with a black stripe under which a cartoon character is depicted with a triangular head. The subject treated is written in sans serif, white letters, including stands Handwritten uppercase " for Dummies". In the original series, each book also has the subtitle "A Reference for the Rest of Us ". The language is simple and direct, distinctive symbols indicate important passages. Especially popular are IT - related books of the publishing house ( due to first publication " DOS for Dummies ", but also because the books are available as e-books, and it is easily accessible by the IT content for readers in this area ), but includes the collection already an extensive selection of nearly every imaginable topic, such as magic tricks, pregnancy or marathon. Even business topics such as accounting and controlling are discussed.

History

The series began in 1991 with the issuance DOS for Dummies, written by Dan Gookin and published by IDG Books, an offshoot of the International Data Group. The book was written in response to the low supply of beginner- friendly literature on the use of the operating system MS -DOS. While the books initially limited to the use of computers, and later other topics were discussed, with some editions of the entertainment value is paramount. The series is currently published by John Wiley & Sons in the original, which IDG Books ( which were recently renamed Hungry Minds ) bought up 2001 in Germany takes over the daughter Wiley -VCH.