Ologies with Alie Ward Anagnosology (READING) with Adrian Johns
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May 29, 2024 Historian and author Dr. Adrian Johns discusses the evolution of reading from clay tablets to audiobooks, literacy campaigns, attention spans, and dyslexia history. He touches on phonics, e-readers, and literacy rates. The conversation reflects on the impact of technology and societal changes on reading habits.
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Adrian's Historic Home
- Adrian Johns lives in a historic Chicago home once owned by a journalist and screenwriter.
- This previous owner frequented diverse places like "streets, brothels, police stations, [...] and bookshops."
Reading's Origins
- Reading, interpreting symbols, dates back thousands of years, potentially to markings on cave paintings.
- Earliest writing, possibly from Egypt or Syria-Iraq area, is around 3000-4000 BC, focusing on mundane records like grain transactions.
Printing Press Impact
- The printing press significantly increased reading material and accessibility due to cheaper production.
- Early printing focused on ephemeral items like indulgences and bills, not primarily books.