The First Writing
The First Writing
Script Invention as History and Process
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Hardback
Although ancient writing offers our first glimpse of history, people and institutions, its origins remain mysterious. This book presents the most up-to-date analysis of the origins of ancient writing. Studying often neglected writing systems, such as those of Mesoamerica, leading scholars collectively discuss how these scripts came into existence and developed during their first centuries of use. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Elamite, Mesoamerica and the Maya, Shang and Runic are represented.
- Most up-to-date, comprehensive look at why writing comes into existence, from case studies in many different parts of the world, with top experts in those areas
Reviews & endorsements
'Most of the specialist scholars included here are eminent in their fields, and the whole beautifully produced volume will be of interest to all those studying early civilizations.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
Product details
December 2004Hardback
9780521838610
436 pages
255 × 183 × 32 mm
0.89kg
25 b/w illus. 3 maps
Available
Table of Contents
- Part I. Orientation and Theory:
- 1. Overture of the first writing Stephen D. Houston
- 2. The possibility and actuality of writing John S. Robertson
- 3. Writing systems: a case study in cultural evolution Bruce G. Trigger
- Part II. Case Studies of Primary and Secondary Script Formation:
- 4. Babylonian beginnings: the origin of the cuneiform writing system in comparative perspective Jerrold Cooper
- 5. The state of decipherment of Proto-Elamite Robert Englund
- 6. The earliest Egyptian writing: development, context, purpose John Baines
- 7. Anyang writing and the origin of the Chinese writing system Robert Bagley
- 8. Writing on shell and bone in Shang China Françoise Bottéro
- 9. Reasons for runes Henrik Williams
- 10. Writing in early Mesopotamia Stephen D. Houston
- Part III. Epilogue:
- 11. Beyond writing Elizabeth Hill Boone
- 12. Final thoughts on writing Stephen D. Houston.
