The Logic of Writing and the Organization of Society (Studies in Literacy, the Family, Culture and the State) [Paperback]

Jack Goody (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 1987 | ISBN-10: 0521339626 | ISBN-13: 978-0521339629

This book assesses the impact of writing on human societies, both in the Ancient Near East and in twentieth-century Africa, and highlights some general features of social systems that have been influenced by this major change in the mode of communication. Such features are central to any attempt at the theoretical definition of human society and such constituent phenomena as religious and legal systems, and in this study Professor Goody explores the role of a specific mechanism, the introduction of writing and the development of a written tradition, in the explanation of some important social differences and similarities. Goody argues that a shift of emphasis from productive to certain communicative processes is essential to account adequately for major changes in human societies. Whilst there have been previous descussions of the effect of literacy upon social organisation, no study has hitherto presented the general synthesis developed here.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This is a stimulating, thought-provoking book, full of insights which make one think about a whole range of material in a different way. Risky? Yes. Flawed? Probably. Necessary? Undoubtedly.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

'The four major chapters are densely packed with details and comparisons. They attest to Goody's rich learning, and they have much to tell readers.' American Anthropologist

Product Details

• Paperback: 232 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (January 30, 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521339626
• ISBN-13: 978-0521339629
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #997,795 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On graphicentered social interactions, October 1, 2006

By 

Steve Reina (Troy Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Logic of Writing and the Organization of Society (Studies in Literacy, the Family, Culture and the State) (Paperback)

What is the difference between a religion based on written text and one based merely on oral tradition?

According to Professor Goody, the short answer seems to be: a lot.

For one thing, with no canon, the parameters of sacred and profane fall more clearly to the shaman. For another: "conversion" is a more tricky process.

This is one of those niche books that answers the type of archane question you may encounter in an academic discussion or study group. However, if you really think about it, as evidenced by Goody's discussion, his findings also have applications in economics, government and law.

After long study in Africa, Goody had a wealth information to use to compare non graphicentered societies with those organizing themselves around written records. In this book, you'll see evidence Goody has collected from modern societies as well as from ancient ones such as Pharonic Egypt.

You'll learn just as a lack of written record has its limitations in the religious sphere, it also operates to effectively limit the size of how big a government or business can be. And it also surrenders law to the whim and caprice of the judge.

In this way, this book is a great introduction to the impact of literacy on the organization of society, a field that, as Goody himself would concede, still merits further research and study.