Binding: Paperback
Description: Today many people take reading for granted but we remain some way off from attaining literacy for the global human population. And whilst we think we know what reading is it remains in many ways a mysterious process or set of processes. The effects of reading are myriad: it can be informative distracting moving erotically arousing politically motivating spiritual and much much more. At different times and in different places reading means different things. In this Very Short Introduction Belinda Jack explores the fascinating history of literacy and the opportunities reading opens. For much of human history reading was the preserve of the elite and most reading meant being read to. Innovations in printing paper - making and transport combined with the rise of public education from the late eighteenth century on brought a dramatic rise in literacy in many parts of the world. Established links between a nation's levels of literacy and its economy led to the promotion of reading for political ends. But equally reading has been associated with subversive ideas leading to censorship through multiple channels: denying access to education controlling publishing destroying libraries and even the burning of authors and their works. Indeed the works of Voltaire were so often burned that an enterprising Parisian publisher produced a fire - proof edition decorated with a phoenix. But as Jack demonstrates reading is a collaborative act between an author and a reader and one which can never be wholly controlled. Telling the story of reading from the ancient world to digital reading and restrictions today Belinda Jack explores why it is such an important aspect of our society. About THE Series: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket - sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Title: Reading: A Very Short Introduction
Author(s): Jack Belinda (Fellow And Tutor Christ Church Oxford)
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Barcode: 9780198820581
Pages: 160 Pages, 11 Black And White Images
Publication Date: 6/25/2019
Series: Very Short Introductions
Category: Social & Cultural History