The First Writing

Script Invention as History and Process

By: Stephen Houston (Editor)

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Paperback | 20 May 2008

At a Glance

Paperback
436 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
25.4 x 17.78 x 2.26

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Ancient writing gives us our first glimpse of history, people and institutions, and yet its origins remain mysterious. This book offers a treatment and examination of the origins of ancient writing. It studies often neglected writing systems, such as those of Mesoamerica. The leading scholars in the field collectively discuss new topics and highlight new subtlties about how these scripts came into existence and development during the first centuries of use. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Elamite, Mesoamerica and the Maya, Shang, and Runic are all represented.

Industry Reviews

'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

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You Can Find This Book In

Non-Fiction Archaeology History General & World History Sociology & Anthropology Anthropology Social & Cultural Anthropology, Ethnography Language & Linguistics Linguistics Palaeography, The History of Writing Writing Systems, Alphabets

Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

Published: 27th January 2005

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Orientation and Theory
Overture of the first writing
The possibility and actuality of writing
Writing systems: a case study in cultural evolution
Case Studies of Primary and Secondary Script Formation
Babylonian beginnings: the origin of the cuneiform writing system in comparative perspective Jerrold Cooper
The state of decipherment of Proto-Elamite
The earliest Egyptian writing: development, context, purpose
Anyang writing and the origin of the Chinese writing system
Writing on shell and bone in Shang China Frantoise BottTro
Reasons for runes
Writing in Early Mesopotamia
Epilogue
Beyond writing Elizabeth Hill Boone
Final thoughts on writing
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

The First Writing

Script Invention as History and Process

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

You Can Find This Book In

Other Editions and Formats

Hardcover

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