Writing, Society and Culture in Early Rus, c.950-1300

by Simon Franklin

Overview

This is the first comprehensive study of the origins and early uses of Russian writing. Simon Franklin examines a wide range of writings, from the parchment manuscripts of the Orthodox Church, through the Novgorod birch-bark documents, to inscriptions on stone and metal. He analyzes the texts from a variety of perspectives, and presents fascinating insight into this crucial aspect of Russian history. The impressive scholarship and idiosyncratic wit of the volume commend it to specialists in Russian history and Russian literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521129022
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/04/2010
Pages:	356
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1500L (what's this?)

About the Author

Simon Franklin is a Reader in Slavonic Studies in the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge.

Table of Contents

Part I. The Graphic Environment: 1. The written remains; 2. Scripts and languages; 3. The changing environment; Part II. Functions and Perceptions of Writing: 4. Writing and social organisation; 5. Writing and learning; 6. Writing and pictures; 7. Writing and magic; 8. Afterword: on the social and cultural dynamics of writing.

Editorial Reviews

"...an invaluable resource..." Canadian Journal of History, T. Allan Smith, University of St. Michael's College

"This book is an outstanding contribution to early East Slavic history." American Historical Review

"...remarkable..." Language in Society

"The book is thorough yet concise. Throughout, Franklin draws broad and meaningful conclusions with very little oversimplification or overstatement. He is abreast of current theories about writing and society, but he is not constrained by them. The study should be of interest both to Slavists and to students of written culture in general. All academic libraries should order this book, as should anyone interested in early Rus'." The Russian Review

"Writing, Society and Culture is an impressive synthesis, and ultimately very timely. Franklin has begun a dialogue between Slavists and Western historians of the book at a moment of increasing openness to Western methodologies on the part of Slavists and great interest in Latinity's 'others' from Western medievalists. All such scholars will benefit from Franklin's book, as indeed would anyone interested in writing and in what 9and how) it means." - Robert Romanchuk, Florida State University

"Even an extensive review is too limited to mention all the strenghts of this illuminating and accomplished book." -Daniela S. Hristova, Harvard Ukrainian Studies

From the Publisher