Author:John Man
The idea behind the alphabet - that language with all its wealth of meaning can be recorded with a few meaningless signs - is an extraordinary one. So extraordinary, in fact, that it has occurred only once in human history: in Egypt about 4000 years ago. Alpha Beta follows the emergence of the western alphabet as it evolved into its present form, contributing vital elements to our sense of identity along the way. The Israelites used it to define their God, the Greeks to capture their myths, the Romans to display their power. And today, it seems on the verge of yet another expansion through the internet.
Tracking the alphabet as it leaps from culture to culture, John Man weaves discoveries, mysteries and controversies into a story of fundamental historical significance.
Crisp, taut, and as clear as a bell ... a fascinating story with many a beguiling subplot along the way.
—— New ScientistThe story of how [the alphabet] came into being is a fascinating one and Man is the ideal writer to tell it. His scholarship seems boundless... he also has a journalist's ear for a story... straight out of Indiana Jones
—— Times Educational SupplementAbsorbing tale ... many surprises on the way.
—— Sunday TelegraphA scholarly and fascinating history of the alphabet, from hieroglyphics to letters, and its dissemination from culture to culture and from past to present
—— The TimesCompelling and entertaining ... As the story romps onwards, the characters stay larger-than-life, on all sides
—— City AMA colourful primer to events that preceded the current conflict in this turbulent place
—— MetroI could not have enjoyed it more and think it quite excellent ... Should be read by young - and old - Army officers who go to Afghanistan. It is a great pity some of those who involved us in what is going on now did not understand what we would be up against
—— General the Lord Guthrie, former Chief of the Defence StaffI would recommend this book to anyone who wants a well-rounded, no-nonsense overview of Afghanistan. A brilliant read
—— SoldierDavid Loyn, a long-time BBC foreign affairs reporter, has written a brilliant history book of Afghanistan's wars of the past two centuries, but more importantly the evidence he amasses poses a primary question about the war being fought in Afghanistan: are we sure this is a good idea? The lesson from history suggests it might not be . . . it is a bleak conclusion to a book that should be a must-read for every politician who sends our squaddies into Afghanistan - but one based fairly and squarely on the weight of history
—— New StatesmanExcellent ... Should be slipped into President Obama's Christmas stocking
—— Max Hastings , Sunday TimesA seminal book that I know for a fact is sitting on a number of British military commander's desks well-thumbed, as they strive to get to know their enemy in Afghanistan
—— Damien Lewis, bestselling author of Apache DawnSome of our worst failures there might have been averted, if only we'd bothered to learn the lessons of the past. This book should become a core text
—— Roger Cox , ScotsmanImpressive . . . Should be required reading for everyone in the Foreign Office
—— Joan Bakewell , Sunday TelegraphThe interior designer, journalist and socialite Nicky Haslam has met almost everyone who's anyone
—— Brandon Robshaw , Independent on SundayIt is...boisterously good company and proof that if Haslam knows one thing, it's that you can only get away with a life like his if you are never, ever boring.
—— Claire Allfree , Metroa terrifically entertaining read
—— Carla McKay , Daily Mailextremely diverting, essentially kind-hearted and well written
—— William Leith , Evening Standard
zpostcode
Recruit
weather
mreligion
Yellowpages
sport
constellation
shopping
name
game
directory
literature
Word
tour
furnish
Lottery
tftnews
lyrics
News
digital
car
dir
Edu
Finance
