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History of Reading
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History of Reading Paperback - 2004

by Steven Roger Fischer

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Reader reviews for History of Reading

From the publisher

Steven Roger Fischer's fascinating book traces the complete story of reading from the time when symbol first became sign through to the electronic texts of the present day. Describing ancient forms of reading and the various modes that were necessary to read different writing systems and scripts, Fischer turns to Asia and the Americas and discusses the forms and developments of completely divergent dimensions of reading.

With the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East, innovative re-inventions of reading emerged - silent and liturgical reading; the custom of lectors; reading's focus in general education - whereupon printing transformed society's entire attitude to reading. Fischer charts the explosion of the book trade in this era, its increased audience and radically changed subject-matter; describes the emergence of broadsheets, newspapers and public readings; and traces the effect of new font designs on general legibility.

Fischer discusses society's dedication to public literacy in the sweeping educational reforms of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and notes the appearance of free libraries, gender differences in reading matter, public advertising and the "forbidden" lists of Church, State and the unemancipated. Finally, he assesses the future, in which it is likely that read communication will soon exceed oral communication through the use of the personal computer and the internet, and looks at "visual language" and modern theories of how reading is processed in the human brain. Asking how the New Reader can reshape reading's future, he suggests a radical new definition of what reading could be.

Details

  • Title History of Reading
  • Author Steven Roger Fischer
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 384
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Reaktion Books, U.S.A
  • Publication date November 4, 2004
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated
  • ISBN 9781861892096 / 1861892098
  • Weight 1.2 lbs (0.54 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.36 x 5.2 x 1.3 in (21.23 x 13.21 x 3.30 cm)
  • Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
  • Dewey Decimal Code 418.409

About the author

Steven Roger Fischer is Director of the Institute of Polynesian Languages and Literatures in Auckland, New Zealand. A History of Reading is the final book in Fischer's trilogy for Reaktion, which also includes A History of Language and A History of Writing.

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A History of Reading (Globalities)

A History of Reading (Globalities)

by Steven Roger Fischer

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  • Very good
  • Paperback
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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History of Reading (Globalities)
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History of Reading (Globalities)

by Fischer, Steven Roger

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books. Used - Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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A History of Reading
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A History of Reading

by Fischer, S. R.

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  • Paperback
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books, 2004. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,650grams, ISBN:9781861892096
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A$6.24
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A History of Reading
Stock photo: cover may vary

A History of Reading

by Fischer, S. R.

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
Quantity available
1
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Item price
A$6.24
A$26.52 Delivery to USA

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Description:
Reaktion Books, 2005. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,600grams, ISBN:9781861892096
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A$6.24
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History of Reading
Stock photo: cover may vary

History of Reading

by Fischer, Steven Roger

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Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books, Limited. Used - Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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A History of Reading (Globalities) [Paperback] [Mar 01, 2004] Steven Roger Fischer
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A History of Reading (Globalities) [Paperback] [Mar 01, 2004] Steven Roger Fischer

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Very Good. This is a very good clean copy with a previous owner's name to the top right of the flysheet. It will be posted from the UK within hours in a padded envelope by a family run bookstore. Please let me know if you require photos of the actual book and I will send them through to you.
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History of Reading (Globalities)
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History of Reading (Globalities)

by Fischer, Steven Roger

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  • Good
  • Paperback
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Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books, 11/4/2004 12:00:01 A. paperback. Good. 1.2992 in x 8.7992 in x 5.2008 in.
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History of Reading (Globalities)
Stock photo: cover may vary

History of Reading (Globalities)

by Fischer, Steven Roger

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books, 2004-11-04. paperback. Used: Good. 5.20x1.30x8.36. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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History of Reading (Globalities)
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History of Reading (Globalities)

by Fischer, Steven Roger

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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1
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Reaktion Books. paperback. Good. 9.5X6.5X1.5. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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History of Reading (Globalities)
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History of Reading (Globalities)

by Fischer, Steven Roger

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  • Paperback
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781861892096 / 1861892098
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Reaktion Books, 2004-11-04. paperback. New. 5.20x1.30x8.36. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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