Avatars of the Word - From Papyrus to Cyberspace

In this penetrating and witty book James ODonnell takes a reading on the promise and the threat of electronic technology for our literate future. He reinterprets todays communication revolution through a series of refracted comparisons with earlier revolutionary periods: the transition from oral to written culture, from the papyrus scroll to the codex, from copied manuscript to print. His engaging portrayals of these analogous epochal moments suggest that our steps into cyberspace are not as radical as we might think. Observing how technologies of the word have affected the shaping of culture in the past, and how technological transformation has been managed, we regain models that can help us navigate the electronic transformation now under way.

About the author

James J. O'Donnell brings to his searching meditation on the life of the mind in cyberspace a unique combination of perspectives. He is Provost at Georgetown University.

Summary

O’Donnell takes a reading on the promise and the threat of electronic technology for our literate future. He reinterprets today’s communication revolution through a series of refracted comparisons with earlier revolutionary periods: the transition from oral to written culture, from the papyrus scroll to the codex, from copied manuscript to print.

Product details

• Authors: James J. O'Donnell, James Joseph O'Donnell, O'Donnell James J.
• Publisher: University Presses
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 05.05.2000
• EAN: 9780674001947
• ISBN: 978-0-674-00194-7
• Weight: 254 g
• Illustrations: 1 halftone
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Natural sciences (general); Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; HISTORY / World, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Communication Studies, SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects, TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING / Social Aspects, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Alphabets & Writing Systems, General & world history, Communication Studies, General and world history, Impact of science & technology on society, Impact of science and technology on society, Ethical & social aspects of IT, Palaeography (History Of Writing), SOCIAL SCIENCE / Technology Studies, COMPUTERS / Social Aspects, Palaeography