Speaking into the Air: A History of the Idea of Communication - Hardcover

Peters, John Durham

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0226662764 ISBN 13: 9780226662763

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1999

Synopsis

Communication plays a vital and unique role in society-often blamed for problems when it breaks down and at the same time heralded as a panacea for human relations. A sweeping history of communication, Speaking Into the Air illuminates our expectations of communication as both historically specific and a fundamental knot in Western thought.

"This is a most interesting and thought-provoking book. . . . Peters maintains that communication is ultimately unthinkable apart from the task of establishing a kingdom in which people can live together peacefully. Given our condition as mortals, communication remains not primarily a problem of technology, but of power, ethics and art." —Antony Anderson, New Scientist

"Guaranteed to alter your thinking about communication. . . . Original, erudite, and beautifully written, this book is a gem." —Kirkus Reviews

"Peters writes to reclaim the notion of authenticity in a media-saturated world. It's this ultimate concern that renders his book a brave, colorful exploration of the hydra-headed problems presented by a rapid-fire popular culture." —Publishers Weekly

What we have here is a failure-to-communicate book. Funny thing is, it communicates beautifully. . . . Speaking Into the Air delivers what superb serious books always do-hours of intellectual challenge as one absorbs the gradually unfolding vision of an erudite, creative author." —Carlin Romano, Philadelphia Inquirer

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

Communication plays a vital and unique role in society-often blamed for problems when it breaks down and at the same time heralded as a panacea for human relations. A sweeping history of communication,Speaking Into the Air illuminates our expectations of communication as both historically specific and a fundamental knot in Western thought.

About the Author:

John Durham Peters is the A. Craig Baird Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Iowa. He lives in Iowa City.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0226662764
• ISBN 13: 9780226662763
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304