Writing the Dead: Death and Writing Strategies in the Western Tradition (Figurae: Reading Medieval Culture)

Name: Writing the Dead: Death and Writing Strategies in the Western Tradition (Figurae: Reading Medieval Culture)
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Book Synopsis: Written by one of the world’s leading paleographers, this book poses two fundamental questions: When did human beings begin—and why have they continued—to decide that a certain number of their dead had a right to a “written death”? What differences have existed in the practice of writing death from age to age and culture to culture? Drawing principally on testimonials intended for public display, such as monuments, tombstones, and grave markings, as well as on scrolls, books, manuscripts, newspapers, and posters, the author reconstructs the ways Western cultures have used writing to commemorate the dead, from the tombs of ancient Egypt to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. The author argues that the relation between funereal remains and inscription is a profoundly political one. The recurring question—Who merits a written death?—demands a multifaceted reply, one that intersects such “modes” of human cultural history as the relation between the living and the dead, the control of territory, the formation and maintenance of power, the preservation of wealth, the right to individuality, and the symbolic and signifying value of written culture. Apart from examining funerary writing in the light of this analytical model, the author also studies the quality of commemorative writing, the length and physical arrangement of the text, and its link to any representational elements, such as a likeness of the deceased, the techniques involved in executing the testimonial, the number of people who participate in creating it, and its outward appearance. Under the author’s careful and informed scrutiny, such developments as unidirectional script, the separation of writing into horizontal lines, and the even spacing of individual letters are revealed as indices of social and technological change.

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Unlock the fascinating history of death and writing with "Writing the Dead: Death and Writing Strategies in the Western Tradition". This captivating book, written by a renowned paleographer, delves into the origins and evolution of the practice of commemorating the deceased through written means. Discover why civilizations throughout time have deemed it essential to grant a "written death" to certain individuals, and how this process has varied across cultures and eras.

Through an extensive exploration of public testimonials, including monuments, tombstones, scrolls, and manuscripts, as well as modern mediums like newspapers and posters, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of Western cultures' relationship with death and writing. Uncover the political dynamics behind the decision of who merits a written death, and how this decision reflects complex aspects of human cultural history such as power, territory, wealth, and individuality.

Not only does "Writing the Dead" examine the content and significance of funerary writing, but it also delves into the physical aspects of commemoration, such as text length, arrangement, and connection to representational elements. By dissecting the techniques involved in creating these testimonials, the author unveils the social and technological changes that have influenced the development of writing. From unidirectional script to the spatial arrangement of letters, every aspect reveals a profound shift in societies.

If you're eager to explore the intertwining narratives of death, writing, and cultural history, "Writing the Dead: Death and Writing Strategies in the Western Tradition" is a must-read. Immerse yourself in the world of commemorative writing and gain a deeper understanding of how civilizations have used the written word to eternalize their departed. Expand your knowledge and enrich your perspective on this captivating topic by purchasing your copy today.

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