The Rise of the Reading Public by Elizabeth L. Eisenstein

The Rise of the Reading Public

by Elizabeth L. Eisenstein

Discussion Questions

1. How would our understanding and recall of history be different if it weren't for the introduction of the written word? Before the written word existed, how did people recall vast sums of information?

Political Implications

Public to Private

aka

Ritual View to Transmission View

"The features of individual rulers and of members of their entourage came into sharper focus for scattered subjects in a given realm as the circulation of prints and engravings made it possible for a reigning dynast to impress a personal presence on mass consciousness in a new way."

Positive Impacts

Ritual

• people as participants
• reinforces community

Transmission

• information is not controlled by space
• people are more isolated physically
• access to more information because of the ability to store it

Discussion Questions

2. Would you argue that the advent of the written word separates people today or do you believe it brings us together?

Use an example!

Even while communal solidarity was diminished, vicarious participants in more distant events was also enhanced; and even while localities were loosened, links to larger collective units were being forged. (19)

Communal Solidarity

DEFINITION:

• the union or fellowship arising from common responsibilities and interests, as between members of a group or between classes, peoples, etc.
• community of feelings, purposes, etc.
• community of responsibilities and interests

Social consequences?

Then there was a shift...

Therefore the article is saying the personal links between people lessened as new forms of communication arose since people were no longer bound by the need to be physically present!

**1ST KEY WORD**

Eisenstein explains that oral culture was able to keep its role due to the dimension (ie. personal touch) it could add to the written word

• Textbooks flourished but lectures did not die
• Printed sermons did not remove the role of preachers

"As communion with the Sunday paper has replaced church going, there is a tendency to forget that sermons had at one time been coupled with news about local and foreign affairs, real estate transactions, and other mundane matters. "(18)

"The monthly gazette was succeeded by the weekly, and finally daily paper... by the last century, gossiping churchgoers could often learn about local affairs by scanning columns of newsprint in silence at home" (18)

Marshall McLuhan

PUBLIC SPHERE to PRIVATE SPHERE

*Second Key Point*

• Eisenstein explains McLuhan did the public a huge favour by making them alert of the social and psychological consequences the advent of printing could have

• McLuhan believes we must think of the consequences more historically and concretely rather than metaphorically

- Born July 21st, 1911

- Died December 31st, 1980

- Canadian Philosopher of Communication Theory

- McLuhan's scholarly work forms one of the cornerstone's of media theory

His 3 well-known theories:

• Global Village
• The Medium is the Message
• Hot and Cool Media