{"product_id":"palimpsest-a-history-of-the-written-word","title":"Palimpsest: A History of the Written Word","description":"A profound, eloquent meditation on the history of writing, from Mesopotamia to multimedia.\nWhy does writing exist? What does it mean to those who write? Born from the interplay of natural and cultural history, the seemingly magical act of writing has continually expanded our consciousness. Portrayed in mythology as either a gift from heroes or a curse from the gods, it has been used as both an instrument of power and a channel of the divine; a means of social bonding and of individual self-definition. Now, as the revolution once wrought by the printed word gives way to the digital age, many fear that the art of writing, and the nuanced thinking nurtured by writing, are under threat. But writing itself, despite striving for permanence, is always in the midst of growth and transfiguration.\nCelebrating the impulse to record, invent, and make one's mark, Matthew Battles reenchants the written word for all those susceptible to the power and beauty of writing in all of its forms. 15 illustrations\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 0393058859\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.0393058859.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Battles, Matthew\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43331236560957,"sku":"BVV.0393058859.G","price":7.59,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/0393058859-0.jpg?v=1783542024","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/palimpsest-a-history-of-the-written-word","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}