The Very Short Introductions series (or VSI series) is a book series published by the Oxford University Press publishing house since 1995. Books in the series offer concise introductions to particular subjects, intended for a general audience but written by experts in the field. (For example, authors of VSI entries in philosophy include A. J. Ayer, Roger Scruton, A. C. Grayling, and Peter Singer.) Individual titles range from 96 to 224 pages in length, with most between 120 and 180, and nearly all contain suggestions for further reading. While authors may present personal viewpoints, the books are meant to be "balanced and complete" as well as thought provoking.

As of September 2014, there are 401 titles in the series, with 37 more (and 6 updated editions) scheduled for publication by May 2016. The publisher states that "the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library."