How Writing Made Us Human, 3000 BCE to Now

The history of writing is a chronicle of emotional engagement with written culture, revealing why the humanities are crucial to society. Myths and legends have provided fascinating explanations for the origins and uses of writing, including Plato's tale of Atlantis, Dante's vision of God as one infinite book, and Mary Shelley's apocalyptic tale of a world left with innumerable books but only one surviving reader. Walter Stephens presents a comprehensive history of the written word, demonstrating how it has preserved and shaped human life since the Bronze Age.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

In his captivating book, "How Writing Made Us Human: 3000 BCE to Now," Walter Stephens takes readers on a sweeping journey through the history of writing, exploring its profound impact on cultural practices, traditions, and knowledge throughout human civilization. The history of writing is not merely a record of technical innovations; it is a chronicle of emotional engagement with written culture that reveals the essential role of the humanities in society.

For five millennia, myths and legends have captivated our imagination, offering fascinating explanations for the origins and uses of writing. These stories are filled with enthusiasm about legendary figures, both human and divine, and their adventures in capturing speech and preserving memory. They recount how ancient Sumerian kings, contemporary with the legendary Gilgamesh, invented the cuneiform writing system, or how the earliest Mesopotamians learned everything from a hybrid man-fish.

Throughout history, debates have raged among Jews and Christians about who wrote the Ten Commandments: was it Moses or God? Some myths of writing were literary fictions, inspired by the rich tapestry of world history. Plato's tale of Atlantis, supposedly derived from a vast Egyptian archive, has sparked the imagination of countless readers. Dante's vision of God as an infinite book inspired Borges's fantasy of the cosmos as a limitless library, while Mary Shelley's apocalyptic tale of a world left with innumerable books but only one surviving reader has left a lasting impact.

Stephens presents a comprehensive history of the written word, tracing its development from the Bronze Age to the present day. He explores the stories behind these texts, their creators, and the methods used to preserve them, revealing the wonder and awe that have inspired generations of historians and scholars. Through his engaging narrative, Stephens demonstrates how writing has shaped human life, facilitated communication, and preserved cultural heritage.

This rich history of writing has left an indelible mark on our world, shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in the universe. It has inspired a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and a deep appreciation for the power of language to convey meaning and emotion. As we continue to engage with written culture, we can draw upon the lessons of the past to shape a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 972g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421446646