A History of Writing

by Steven Roger Fischer

Overview

From the earliest scratches on stone and bone to the languages of computers and the internet, A History of Writing offers an investigation into the origin and development of writing throughout the world. Illustrated with numerous examples, this book offers a global overview in a format that everyone can follow. Steven Roger Fischer also reveals his own discoveries made since the early 1980s, making it a useful reference for students and specialists as well as a delightful read for lovers of the written word everywhere.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781789143492
Publisher:	Reaktion Books, Limited
Publication date:	08/12/2021
Edition description:	Revised edition
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.75(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Steven Roger Fischer FRS is the author of many popular books, including A History of Language and A History of Reading, both published by Reaktion Books.

Table of Contents

	Preface	7
1	From Notches to Tablets	11
2	Talking Art	34
3	Speaking Systems	68
4	From Alpha to Omega	121
5	The East Asian 'Regenesis'	166
6	The Americas	211
7	The Parchment Keyboard	237
8	Scripting the Future	294
	References	321
	Select Bibliography	335
	Illustration Acknowledgements	343
	Index	345

Editorial Reviews

[It] is wonderful . . . to see a subject that embraces so much of human civilization handled with the wide knowledge and breadth of vision it deserves.

on the first edition Nature

[An] authoritative account. . . . If you’re intrigued by writing’s past, Fischer’s book is well worth a read. . . . Brilliant.

on the first edition New Scientist

"The book contains fascinating insights into significant writing discoveries. . . . A History of Writing is well worth reading from cover to cover, or dipping into, because of the remarkable detail. The book is of general interest and accessible to everyone. Technical terms are all carefully explained for the lay reader."

Journal of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading

If you’re intrigued by writing’s past, Fischer’s book is well worth a read. . . . brilliant.”—New Scientist

New Scientist

"[It] is wonderful . . . to see a subject that embraces so much of human civilisation handled with the wide knowledge and breadth of vision it deserves."

Nature

"A uniquely entertaining study of human language. . . . All libraries need to have this book on their shelves."

Pennsylvania Literary Journal

"[It] is wonderful . . . to see a subject that embraces so much of human civilisation handled with the wide knowledge and breadth of vision it deserves."

Nature Lib