The First Writing
Script Invention as History and Process
$44.99 (P)
- Editor: Stephen D. Houston, Brown University, Rhode Island
- Date Published: March 2008
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521728263
$
44.99
(P)
Paperback
Other available formats:
Hardback
Looking for an examination copy?
This title is not currently available for examination. However, if you are interested in the title for your course we can consider offering an examination copy. To register your interest please contact collegesales@cambridge.org providing details of the course you are teaching.
-
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.
Read more- 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
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: March 2008
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521728263
- length: 436 pages
- dimensions: 253 x 174 x 27 mm
- weight: 0.88kg
- contains: 25 b/w illus. 3 maps
- availability: 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.
Related Books
related journals
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×