Current concerns abound regarding the state of reading. With the proliferation of social media platforms, digital text, and corresponding devices, and the declination of some publishing venues--such as newspapers and traditional books--many believe reading is dying. And what life it has left is being damaged by a societal loss of linguistic ability, personal character, and cultural knowledge. However, as author Frank Furedi deftly illustrates in Power of Reading, from Socrates to Twitter, such panic is nothing new. With great historical depth in only 200-ish pages, there is much to be learned from Furedi's penetrating account of the evolution of literacy. This excellent work is my current pick for book of the year in 2016, and it is a must-read for anyone associated with the reading, writing, and teaching industry.
Beginning with Socrates and other philosophers, Furedi explores the role of orality in advancing culture and knowledge. Written language was largely non-existent as a mode of communication for common citizens. Literacy was viewed nearly universally as a danger to the citizenry, socially, politically, and even medically. Only aristocracy and clergy were charged with literary knowledge, as fears of literature pervaded nearly all times and places. Furedi guides us through an historical account of how reading has shaped and been shaped by particular eras. From ancient Greece, the development of religion, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Romantic era, to the twentieth century and beyond are all highlighted in this literary evolution.
Though a scholarly work, Furedi's text is readable for a popular audience. And it offers valuable insight for consumers of nearly all academic disciplines. This will be on the required reading list for my English and Education majors very soon.
Beginning with Socrates and other philosophers, Furedi explores the role of orality in advancing culture and knowledge. Written language was largely non-existent as a mode of communication for common citizens. Literacy was viewed nearly universally as a danger to the citizenry, socially, politically, and even medically. Only aristocracy and clergy were charged with literary knowledge, as fears of literature pervaded nearly all times and places. Furedi guides us through an historical account of how reading has shaped and been shaped by particular eras. From ancient Greece, the development of religion, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Romantic era, to the twentieth century and beyond are all highlighted in this literary evolution.
Though a scholarly work, Furedi's text is readable for a popular audience. And it offers valuable insight for consumers of nearly all academic disciplines. This will be on the required reading list for my English and Education majors very soon.