Description
Book Synopsis: A rich exploration of the importance of books and libraries in the ancient world that highlights how humanity’s obsession with the printed word has echoed throughout the ages
• “Accessible and entertaining.” —The Wall Street Journal
Long before books were mass-produced, scrolls hand copied on reeds pulled from the Nile were the treasures of the ancient world. Emperors and Pharaohs were so determined to possess them that they dispatched emissaries to the edges of earth to bring them back.
When Mark Antony wanted to impress Cleopatra, he knew that gold and priceless jewels would mean nothing to her. So, what did her give her? Books for her library—two hundred thousand, in fact.
The long and eventful history of the written word shows that books have always been and will always be a precious—and precarious—vehicle for civilization. Papyrus is the story of the book’s journey from oral tradition to scrolls to codices, and how that transition laid the very foundation of Western culture.
Award-winning author Irene Vallejo evokes the great mosaic of literature in the ancient world from Greece’s itinerant bards to Rome’s multimillionaire philosophers, from opportunistic forgers to cruel teachers, erudite librarians to defiant women, all the while illuminating how ancient ideas about education, censorship, authority, and identity still resonate today.
Crucially, Vallejo also draws connections to our own time, from the library in war-torn Sarajevo to Oxford’s underground labyrinth, underscoring how words have persisted as our most valuable creations.
Through nimble interpretations of the classics, playful and moving anecdotes about her own encounters with the written word, and fascinating stories from history, Vallejo weaves a marvelous tapestry of Western culture’s foundations and identifies the humanist values that helped make us who we are today.
At its heart a spirited love letter to language itself, Papyrus takes readers on a journey across the centuries to discover how a simple reed grown along the banks of the Nile would give birth to a rich and cherished culture.
Details
Discover the captivating journey of books and libraries in the ancient world with Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World. Written by award-winning author Irene Vallejo, this accessible and entertaining exploration will transport you back in time, revealing how our obsession with the printed word has shaped civilization throughout the ages.
Long before books were mass-produced, scrolls hand copied on reeds pulled from the Nile were the treasures of the ancient world. Emperors and Pharaohs went to great lengths to possess them, dispatching emissaries to the far corners of the earth. Imagine Cleopatra's delight when Mark Antony presented her with not gold or jewels, but two hundred thousand books for her library!
Papyrus takes you on a remarkable journey, tracing the evolution of the written word from oral tradition to scrolls to codices. This transition laid the very foundation of Western culture, shaping our education, censorships, authorities, and identities. By drawing connections to our modern times, the book highlights the enduring power of words and literature in shaping our society.
Through nimble interpretations of the classics, Vallejo weaves a marvelous tapestry of Western culture's foundations. You'll be enthralled by fascinating stories of Greece's itinerant bards, Rome's multimillionaire philosophers, and the defiant women who defied societal expectations. From erudite librarians to cruel teachers, Papyrus reveals the triumphs and struggles faced by those who safeguarded and propagated knowledge.
But Papyrus doesn't just dwell in the past. It takes you on a journey to the present, exploring places like war-torn Sarajevo's library and Oxford's underground labyrinth. These anecdotes underscore the timeless importance of words and how they have persisted as our most valuable creations, guiding us even in an ever-changing world.
Join Irene Vallejo on a spirited love letter to language itself as she delves into the roots of our cherished culture. With its playful and moving anecdotes, Papyrus will captivate your imagination and broaden your understanding of the significance of books throughout history. Experience the power of words, get your copy of Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World today and embark on a journey through time.
Get your copy of Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World and unlock the secrets of our literary heritage!
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