This exciting new text traces the common themes in the long and complex history of mass communication. It shows how the means of communicating grew out of their eras, how they developed, how they influenced the societies of those eras, and how they have continued to exert their influence upon subsequent generations. The book is divided into six periods which are identified as 'Information Revolutions' writing, printing, mass media, entertainment, the 'toolshed' (which we call 'home' now), and the Information Highway. In looking at the ways in which the tools of communication have influenced and been influenced by social change, A History of Mass Communication provides students of media and journalism with a strong sense of the way their chosen field affects how society functions. Providing a broad-based approach to media history, Dr. Fang encourages the reader to take a careful look at where our culture is headed through the tools we use to communicate with one another. A History of Mass Communication is not only the most current text on communication history, but also an invaluable resource for anyone interested in how methods of communication affect society.

What Greek philosopher thought writing would harm a student s memory? Was the poet Byron s daughter the first computer programmer? Who plays more video games, women over 18 or teenage boys?

In "Alphabet to Internet: Media in Our Lives," Irving Fang looks at each medium of communication through the centuries, asking not only, "What happened?" but also, "How did society change because of this new communication medium?" and, "How are we different as a result?"

Examining the impact of different media on a broad, historical scale among them mass printing, the telegraph, film, the internet, and advertising "Alphabet to Internet" takes us from the first scratches of writing and the origins of mail to today's video games, the widespread and daily use of smartphones, and the impact of social media in political uprisings across the globe. A timeline at the end of each chapter places events in perspective and allows students to pinpoint key moments in media history.

Now in its third edition, "Alphabet to Internet "presents a lively, thoughtful, and accessible introduction to media history."

This exciting new text traces the common themes in the long and complex history of mass communication. It shows how the means of communicating grew out of their eras, how they developed, how they influenced the societies of those eras, and how they have continued to exert their influence upon subsequent generations. The book is divided into six periods which are identified as 'Information Revolutions' writing, printing, mass media, entertainment, the 'toolshed' (which we call 'home' now), and the Information Highway.

In looking at the ways in which the tools of communication have influenced and been influenced by social change, A History of Mass Communication provides students of media and journalism with a strong sense of the way their chosen field affects how society functions. Providing a broad-based approach to media history, Dr. Fang encourages the reader to take a careful look at where our culture is headed through the tools we use to communicate with one another.
A History of Mass Communication is not only the most current text on communication history, but also an invaluable resource for anyone interested in how methods of communication affect society.
- The most up-to-date textbook for mass communications history courses
- Traces common themes in the complex history of communication
- An invaluable reference for anyone interested in how methods of communication affect society

What Greek philosopher thought writing would harm a student s memory? Was the poet Byron s daughter the first computer programmer? Who plays more video games, women over 18 or teenage boys?

In "Alphabet to Internet: Media in Our Lives," Irving Fang looks at each medium of communication through the centuries, asking not only, "What happened?" but also, "How did society change because of this new communication medium?" and, "How are we different as a result?"

Examining the impact of different media on a broad, historical scale among them mass printing, the telegraph, film, the internet, and advertising "Alphabet to Internet" takes us from the first scratches of writing and the origins of mail to today's video games, the widespread and daily use of smartphones, and the impact of social media in political uprisings across the globe. A timeline at the end of each chapter places events in perspective and allows students to pinpoint key moments in media history.

Now in its third edition, "Alphabet to Internet "presents a lively, thoughtful, and accessible introduction to media history."