Bibliograph

Palimpsest, a history of the written word, Matthew Battles

Type

Label

Palimpsest, a history of the written word, Matthew Battles

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages [227]-238) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Palimpsest

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

783163653

Responsibility statement

Matthew Battles

Sub title

a history of the written word

Summary

"Why does writing exist? What does it mean to those who write? Born from the interplay of natural and cultural history, the seemingly magical act of writing has continually expanded our consciousness. Portrayed in mythology as either a gift from heroes or a curse from the gods, it has been used as both an instrument of power and a channel of the divine; a means of social bonding and of individual self-definition. Now, as the revolution once wrought by the printed word gives way to the digital age, many fear that the art of writing, and the nuanced thinking nurtured by writing, are under threat. But writing itself, despite striving for permanence, is always in the midst of growth and transfiguration."--From the publisher

Table Of Contents

Books in running brooks -- Origins and nature -- Pictures and things -- Writing and power -- Holy writ -- Logos ex machina -- Page as mind

Classification