Alpha Beta: How the Alphabet Shaped the Western World

Alpha Beta: How the Alphabet Shaped the Western World by John Man


Authors
John Man
ISBN
9780553819656
Published
Released
01 / 01 / 2011
Binding
Paperback
Pages
336
Dimensions
127 x 198 x 21mm

The idea behind the alphabet - that language with all its wealth of meaning can be recorded with a few meaningless signs - is an extraordinary one. So extraordinary, in fact, that it has occurred only once in human history: in Egypt about 4000 years ago. Alpha Beta follows the emergence of the western alphabet as it evolved into its present form, contributing vital elements to our sense of identity along the way. The Israelites used it to define their God, the Greeks to capture their myths, the Romans to display their power. And today, it seems on the verge of yet another expansion through the internet.

Tracking the alphabet as it leaps from culture to culture, John Man weaves discoveries, mysteries and controversies into a story of fundamental historical significance.
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