Reading: A Very Short Introduction

Reading: A Very Short Introduction
Author :
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Total Pages : 161
Release :
ISBN-10 : 9780192552440
ISBN-13 : 0192552449
Rating : 4/5 (449 Downloads)

Book Synopsis Reading: A Very Short Introduction by : Belinda Jack

Download or read book Reading: A Very Short Introduction written by Belinda Jack and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2019-04-18 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today many people take reading for granted, but we remain some way off from attaining literacy for the global human population. And whilst we think we know what reading is, it remains in many ways a mysterious process, or set of processes. The effects of reading are myriad: it can be informative, distracting, moving, erotically arousing, politically motivating, spiritual, and much, much more. At different times and in different places reading means different things. In this Very Short Introduction Belinda Jack explores the fascinating history of literacy, and the opportunities reading opens. For much of human history reading was the preserve of the elite, and most reading meant being read to. Innovations in printing, paper-making, and transport, combined with the rise of public education from the late eighteenth century on, brought a dramatic rise in literacy in many parts of the world. Established links between a nation's levels of literacy and its economy led to the promotion of reading for political ends. But, equally, reading has been associated with subversive ideas, leading to censorship through multiple channels: denying access to education, controlling publishing, destroying libraries, and even the burning of authors and their works. Indeed, the works of Voltaire were so often burned that an enterprising Parisian publisher produced a fire-proof edition, decorated with a phoenix. But, as Jack demonstrates, reading is a collaborative act between an author and a reader, and one which can never be wholly controlled. Telling the story of reading, from the ancient world to digital reading and restrictions today, Belinda Jack explores why it is such an important aspect of our society. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.


Reading: A Very Short Introduction Related Books

Reading: A Very Short Introduction
Language: en
Pages: 161
Authors: Belinda Jack
Categories: Language Arts & Disciplines
Type: BOOK - Published: 2019-04-18 - Publisher: Oxford University Press

GET EBOOK

Today many people take reading for granted, but we remain some way off from attaining literacy for the global human population. And whilst we think we know what
The Things We've Seen
Language: en
Pages: 600
Authors: Agustín Fernández Mallo
Categories: Fiction
Type: BOOK - Published: 2021-06-15 - Publisher:

GET EBOOK

Written in three parts, War Trilogy is a dazzling and anarchic exploration of social relations which offers thought-provoking ideas on our perceptions of humani
The Fist of God
Language: en
Pages: 593
Authors: Frederick Forsyth
Categories: Fiction
Type: BOOK - Published: 2015-03-18 - Publisher: Bantam

GET EBOOK

From the bestselling author of The Day of the Jackal, international master of intrigue Frederick Forsyth, comes a thriller that brilliantly blends fact with fic
Karma Of Brown Folk
Language: en
Pages: 276
Authors: Vijay Prashad
Categories: Social Science
Type: BOOK - Published: 2001-03-12 - Publisher: U of Minnesota Press

GET EBOOK

Village Voice Favorite Books of 2000 The popular book challenging the idea of a model minority, now in paperback! “How does it feel to be a problem?” asked
Understanding and Using English Grammar
Language: en
Pages: 434
Authors: Betty Schrampfer Azar
Categories:
Type: BOOK - Published: 2017-07-26 - Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

GET EBOOK

Understanding and Using English Grammar By Betty Schrampfer Azar