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Synopsis
A fascinating book on the origins of writing.
Before Writing gives a new perspective on the evolution of communication. It points out that when writing began in Mesopotamia it was not, as previously thought, a sudden and spontaneous invention. Instead, it was the outgrowth of many thousands of years' worth of experience at manipulating symbols.
In Volume I: From Counting to Cuneiform, Denise Schmandt-Besserat describes how in about 8000 B.C., coinciding with the rise of agriculture, a system of counters, or tokens, appeared in the Near East. These tokens—small, geometrically shaped objects made of clay—represented various units of goods and were used to count and account for them. The token system was a breakthrough in data processing and communication that ultimately led to the invention of writing about 3100 B.C. Through a study of archaeological and epigraphic evidence, Schmandt-Besserat traces how the Sumerian cuneiform script, the first writing system, emerged from a counting device.
In Volume II: A Catalog of Near Eastern Tokens, Schmandt-Besserat presents the primary data on which she bases her theories. These data consist of several thousand tokens, catalogued by country, archaeological site, and token types and subtypes. The information also includes the chronology, stratigraphy, museum ownership, accession or field number, references to previous publications, material, and size of the artifacts. Line drawings and photographs illustrate the various token types.
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About the Author
Denise Schmandt-Besserat is Professor of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.
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- PublisherUniversity of Texas Press
- Publication date1992
- ISBN 10 0292707835
- ISBN 13 9780292707832
- BindingHardcover
- LanguageEnglish
- Edition number1
- Number of pages283
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Before Writing, Vol. I Vol. I : From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
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BEFORE WRITING.From Counting to Cuneiform - VOLUME 1
Published by
University of Texas Press, Austin, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
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Cloth. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First Edition. 269 pgs.b/w photos and drawings.Folding map. A history, and the evolution of writing and communication through tokens from 8000 B.C. Seller Inventory # 5082
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Before Writing, Vol. I: From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
Used
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Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
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Before Writing, Vol. I: From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.92. Seller Inventory # G0292707835I4N10
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Before Writing, Vol. I: From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.92. Seller Inventory # G0292707835I3N00
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Before Writing, Vol. I: From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.92. Seller Inventory # G0292707835I4N00
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Before Writing, Vol. I: From Counting to Cuneiform
Published by
University of Texas Press, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
Used
Hardcover
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
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Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.92. Seller Inventory # G0292707835I3N00
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Before Writing: Volume 1: From Counting to Cuneiform
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ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
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Seller: Anytime Books, London, United Kingdom
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Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Superb scholarship. Her token theory is generally accepted. pp.xv.269. Illus. DW in archival sleeve. Seller Inventory # 014222
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Before Writing: From Counting to Cuneiform (1) Schmandt-Besserat, Denise
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ISBN 13: 9780292707832
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Condition: D'occasion - Bon état. University of Texas Press, 1st edition, 1992. Hardcover under jacket. Only volume 1. Coins un peu tassés, très bon état général. Envoi rapide et soigné. Seller Inventory # 2D4D085
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BEFORE WRITING VOLUME I: FROM COUNTING TO CUNEIFORM
Published by
University of Texas Press, Austin, 1992
ISBN 10: 0292707835
ISBN 13: 9780292707832
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Hard Cover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. B&w illustrations (illustrator). First Edition stated. [xviii], 269pp Size: 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Seller Inventory # 021049
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