The Story of Writing - Tapa blanda

The story of writing how, where and why it was invented, the different scripts and methods of writing, the invention of the Western alphabet, the spread of literacy and the invention of printing, and the development of email, the internet and text messaging in modern times - are explored in this fascinating overview of the history of writing. The book describes not just how different scripts were written, but why ancient peoples needed to develop writing, and who were the writers and readers in each culture. It features illuminating quotations from people from all periods to demonstrate the vast range of types of script and of reasons for writing. From the simple notes of trades or harvests, tax records and personal letters to religious writing, royal edicts, and informal notes and jokes, these records offer a fascinating insight into the world of the past. The writing materials explored in the book range from Sumerian cuneiform writing pressed into tablets of clay and beautifully carved Egyptian hieroglyphs to illuminated manuscripts, printed books and emails. The Story of Writing demonstrates the vital importance of reading and writing to peoples lives and how writing as a means of communication has constantly changed as the needs of societies have changed.

Carol Donoughue is the author of The Mystery of the Hieroglyphs: Egyptian hieroglyphs and how they were deciphered (BMP 1999). She is an ex-head teacher, inspector of schools, and producer of schools television programmes.