A brief history of the written word. Includes sections on the early forms of writing in Egypt and China, The Dead Sea Scrolls, the first printing press, the art of bookbinding, and writing used as a visual medium: utilized to convey more than the definitions of the words presented (ex. calligraphy and graffiti). Includes bibliographical references (p. 199) and an index (p. 204-207). A "Discoveries" publication.