Title
Before Writing: Volume 1: From Counting to Cuneiform,New
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Before Writing gives a new perspective on the evolution of communication. It points out that when writing began in Mesopotamia it was not, as previously thought, a sudden and spontaneous invention. Instead, it was the outgrowth of many thousands of years' worth of experience at manipulating symbols.In Volume I: From Counting to Cuneiform, Denise SchmandtBesserat describes how in about 8000 B.C., coinciding with the rise of agriculture, a system of counters, or tokens, appeared in the Near East. These tokenssmall, geometrically shaped objects made of clayrepresented various units of goods and were used to count and account for them. The token system was a breakthrough in data processing and communication that ultimately led to the invention of writing about 3100 B.C. Through a study of archaeological and epigraphic evidence, SchmandtBesserat traces how the Sumerian cuneiform script, the first writing system, emerged from a counting device.In Volume II: A Catalog of Near Eastern Tokens, SchmandtBesserat presents the primary data on which she bases her theories. These data consist of several thousand tokens, catalogued by country, archaeological site, and token types and subtypes. The information also includes the chronology, stratigraphy, museum ownership, accession or field number, references to previous publications, material, and size of the artifacts. Line drawings and photographs illustrate the various token types.
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Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main topic of 'Before Writing: Volume 1: From Counting to Cuneiform'? A: The book explores the origins of writing, focusing on how it evolved from a system of tokens used for counting in ancient Mesopotamia.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'Before Writing: Volume 1: From Counting to Cuneiform' is Denise Schmandt-Besserat.
- Q: What is the publication date of this book? A: This book was published on May 1, 1992.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic research? A: Yes, it presents archaeological and epigraphic evidence, making it suitable for academic research on the evolution of writing.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 283 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is bound in hardcover.
- Q: What are the main features discussed in Volume 1? A: Volume 1 discusses the transition from counting systems to the development of cuneiform writing, highlighting the significance of token systems.
- Q: Are there illustrations or photographs included in the book? A: Yes, the book includes line drawings and photographs that illustrate various token types.
- Q: Does this book include a catalog of Near Eastern tokens? A: Yes, Volume II includes a catalog of several thousand tokens, detailing their types, origins, and archaeological context.
- Q: Is the book in new condition? A: Yes, the item condition is listed as new.