"The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories" by Christopher Booker is a first edition nonfiction book published in 2004 by Bloomsbury Academic & Professional. This trade paperback explores the universal themes and motifs found in storytelling across cultures and genres. The book delves into the history and social science behind the reasons we tell stories, making it a valuable reference for those interested in comparative literature, anthropology, and cultural analysis. With 728 pages, this publication offers a comprehensive exploration of the seven basic plots and their significance in human storytelling.