Cultural Memory and Early Civilization - Writing, Remembrance, and Political Imagination (Paperback, New)

Now available to an English-speaking audience, this book presents a groundbreaking theoretical analysis of memory, identity, and culture. It investigates how cultures remember, arguing that human memory exists and is communicated in two ways, namely inter-human interaction and in external systems of notation, such as writing, which can span generations. Dr. Assmann defines two theoretical concepts of cultural memory, differentiating between the long-term memory of societies, which can span up to 3,000 years, and communicative memory, which is typically restricted to 80-100 years. He applies this theoretical framework to case studies of four specific cultures, illustrating the function contexts and specific achievements, including the state, international law, religion, and science. Ultimately, his research demonstrates that memory is not simply a means of retaining information, but rather a force that can shape cultural identity and allow cultures to respond creatively to both daily challenges and catastrophic changes.

General

Imprint:	Cambridge UniversityPress
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	December 2011
First published:	December 2011
Authors:	Jan Assmann
Dimensions:	229 x 150 x 23mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - Trade
Pages:	332
Edition:	New
ISBN-13:	978-0-521-18802-9
Languages:	English
Subtitles:	German
Categories:	Books > Humanities > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE Books > Social sciences > Sociology, social studies > Anthropology > Social & cultural anthropology > General Books > History > World history > BCE to 500 CE
LSN:	0-521-18802-4
Barcode:	9780521188029

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