Communication: Means and Technologies for Exchanging Information

A colorfully illustrated, humorous exploration of the development of human communication tracks progress from Stone Age pictograms and cave paintings, through the evolution of writing, to today's books, films, and satellites.

Grade 4-6-A panoramic view of the history of communication from hieroglyphics to satellites. Along the way, Ventura discusses oral traditions, such as Greek theater, minstrels, and balladeers; visual communication such as religious symbols and art (painting, architecture, woodcuts, engravings, and manuscripts); as well as inventions like the printing press, radio, television, and computers. The information-packed volume achieves a good balance of text and minutely detailed drawings. Overall, it is an excellent overview of the subject with the exception of the final pages, which provide a superficial look at computer networking, satellites, and fiber optics without exploring how the "information superhighway" will impact on the future of communication on a global scale.
Eunice Weech, M.L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.