The First Writing
Script Invention as History and Process

In this book, leading scholars in the field discuss and analyse the origins of ancient writing.

Stephen D. Houston (Edited by)

9780521838610, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 December 2004

436 pages, 25 b/w illus. 3 maps
25.5 x 18.3 x 3.2 cm, 0.89 kg

'Most of the specialist scholars included here are eminent in their fields, and the whole beautifully produced volume will be of interest to all those studying early civilizations.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Ancient writing gives us our first glimpse of history, people and institutions, and yet its origins remain mysterious. This book offers a treatment and examination of the origins of ancient writing. It studies often neglected writing systems, such as those of Mesoamerica. The leading scholars in the field collectively discuss new topics and highlight new subtlties about how these scripts came into existence and development during the first centuries of use. Egypt, Mesopotamia, Elamite, Mesoamerica and the Maya, Shang, and Runic are all represented.

Part I. Orientation and Theory: 1. Overture of the first writing Stephen D. Houston
2. The possibility and actuality of writing John S. Robertson
3. Writing systems: a case study in cultural evolution Bruce G. Trigger
Part II. Case Studies of Primary and Secondary Script Formation: 4. Babylonian beginnings: the origin of the cuneiform writing system in comparative perspective Jerrold Cooper
5. The state of decipherment of Proto-Elamite Robert Englund
6. The earliest Egyptian writing: development, context, purpose John Baines
7. Anyang writing and the origin of the Chinese writing system Robert Bagley
8. Writing on shell and bone in Shang China Françoise Bottéro
9. Reasons for runes Henrik Williams
10. Writing in early Mesopotamia Stephen D. Houston
Part III. Epilogue: 11. Beyond writing Elizabeth Hill Boone
12. Final thoughts on writing Stephen D. Houston.

Subject Areas: Anthropology [JHM], Prehistoric archaeology [HDDA], Historical & comparative linguistics [CFF]