Understanding Philosophy for AS Level

For anyone looking to purchase a Philosophy Textbook, go no further; Christopher Hamilton's AS Textbook is all you need.
Work from this as an A-Level student, and you will pass with flying colours. Work from this as a University student, and you couldn't ask for a better grounding. In my 2nd year at Oxford University, I owe where I am now entirely to a Winter vacation during my AS year spent noting 'The Hamilton'. Absolutely fantastic.
It can appear impenetrable to the new-comer to Philosophy, but don't be fooled; there is NO better grounding that tells you just what Philosophy is actually about. Specifically, avoid most that has been written by Stephen Law and, to a much lesser extent, Simon Blackburn that tries to fulfill this same purpose.