The Logic of Writing and the Organization of Society (Studies in Literacy, the Family, Culture and the State) - Softcover

Goody, Jack

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521339626 ISBN 13: 9780521339629

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1986

Synopsis

This book assesses the impact of writing on human societies, both in the Ancient Near East and in twentieth-century Africa, and highlights some general features of social systems that have been influenced by this major change in the mode of communication. Such features are central to any attempt at the theoretical definition of human society and such constituent phenomena as religious and legal systems, and in this study Professor Goody explores the role of a specific mechanism, the introduction of writing and the development of a written tradition, in the explanation of some important social differences and similarities. Goody argues that a shift of emphasis from productive to certain communicative processes is essential to account adequately for major changes in human societies. Whilst there have been previous descussions of the effect of literacy upon social organisation, no study has hitherto presented the general synthesis developed here.

About this title

Review

'This is a stimulating, thought-provoking book, full of insights which make one think about a whole range of material in a different way. Risky? Yes. Flawed? Probably. Necessary? Undoubtedly.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'The four major chapters are densely packed with details and comparisons. They attest to Goody's rich learning, and they have much to tell readers.' American Anthropologist

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521339626
• ISBN 13: 9780521339629
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232