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NOVA: A to Z - The First Alphabet and How Writing Changed the World DVD

$24.99
Item #: WC9422DV
The First Alphabet: Follow the evolution of the written word, from millennia-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to our modern-day alphabets.   How Writing Changed the World: The printing press transformed the spread of information, igniting the Industrial Revolution. How did technologies–from pen to paper to printing press—make it all possible?
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The First Alphabet: Follow the evolution of the written word, from millennia-old carvings in an Egyptian turquoise mine to our modern-day alphabets.   How Writing Changed the World: The printing press transformed the spread of information, igniting the Industrial Revolution. How did technologies–from pen to paper to printing press—make it all possible?

The First Alphabet
Where would we be without the world's alphabets? Writing has played a vital role in the expansion and domination of cultures throughout history. But researchers are only now uncovering the origin story to our own alphabet, which may have gotten its beginnings in a turquoise mine thousands of years ago. From the shape of the letter A to the role of writing in trade and storytelling, discover how the written word shaped civilization itself.

How Writing Changed the World
Just as writing changed the course of human history, the evolution of paper and printing revolutionized the spread of information. The printing press kicked off the Industrial Revolution that fast-tracked us to the current digital age. But as the millennia-old tradition of penmanship falls out of favor, should we consider what might be lost in this pursuit of ever more efficient communication?

Producer: Laurie Cahalane, Melanie Wallace, Hugh Sington, Martin de la Fouchardiere
Executive Producer: Julia Cort, Chris Schmidt
Production Company: DOX Productions/Films à Cinq; Arté France; BBC
Copyright Year: 2020
Rating: TV-G
Director: David Sington
Narrator: Jeannette Robinson
Writers: David Singt
Number of Discs: 1
Length: 110 minutes
Subtitle Languages: English (SDH)
Audio Format: Stereo
Aspect Ratio: 16x9 Widescreen

5 Reviews
R
ROSETTA
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
11/05/21
Great documentary
Review by ROSETTA on 11/05/21 review stating Great documentary
For anyone that wants to understand the origins of written language and our alphabet, this show is for you! Fascinating, well paced and very educational, this documentary could be used in high schools.
J
Jonathan D.
Verified Reviewer
5.0 star rating
07/31/21
A wonderful two-part series!
Review by Jonathan D. on 07/31/21 review stating A wonderful two-part series!
This is a beautifully produced, thoughtful and thought-provoking look at the handwriting over time and its essential link to the history of ideas. A perfect DVD for teachers of middle school or high school to show to their students. Guaranteed to get you energized to pick up a writing instrument and use it again!
W
William R.
Verified Reviewer
5.0 star rating
07/31/21
A to Z
Review by William R. on 07/31/21 review stating A to Z
Ive been watching NOVA for over 50 years. A to Z may be the best episode Ive ever seen. I never would have considered that the qualities of the paper or the style of the letters could have such a profound effect on history. Fantastic insights! Should be viewed by anyone interested in writing, communication, history, literature, etc., i.e. every NOVA viewer.
E
Earl
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
04/08/21
important to know
Review by Earl on 04/08/21 review stating important to know
How and when the first alphabet was developed. How lack of paper contributed to the European Dark Age. How the printing press and knowledge of paper making helped turn that around.
L
Lara
Verified Buyer
5.0 star rating
02/12/21
This is a great gift
Review by Lara on 02/12/21 review stating This is a great gift
This is a great gift - behind the scenes of one of our familys favorite musicals.

Highlighted Customer Reviews


This is a great gift
Review by Lara review stating This is a great gift
This is a great gift - behind the scenes of one of our familys favorite musicals.
important to know
Review by Earl review stating important to know
How and when the first alphabet was developed. How lack of paper contributed to the European Dark Age. How the printing press and knowledge of paper making helped turn that around.
A to Z
Review by William R. review stating A to Z
Ive been watching NOVA for over 50 years. A to Z may be the best episode Ive ever seen. I never would have considered that the qualities of the paper or the style of the letters could have such a profound effect on history. Fantastic insights! Should be viewed by anyone interested in writing, communication, history, literature, etc., i.e. every NOVA viewer.

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