A Social History of Knowledge: From Gutenberg to Diderot Hardcover -
by Peter Burke
From the publisher
In this work Peter Burke adopts a socio-cultural approach to examine the changes in the organization of knowledge in Europe, from the invention of printing, to the publication of the French Encyclopaedie. The book opens with an assessment of different sociologies of knowledge from Mannheim to Foucault and beyond, and goes on to discuss intellectuals as a social group and the social institutions (especially universities and academies) which encouraged or discouraged intellectual innovation. Then, in a series of separate chapters, Burke explores the geography, anthropology, politics and economics of knowledge, focusing on the role of cities, academies, states and markets in the process of gathering, classifying, spreading and sometimes concealing information. The final chapters deal with knowledge from the point of view of the individual reader, listener, viewer or consumer, including the problem of the reliability of knowledge discussed so vigorously in the 17th century. One of the most original features of this book is its discussion of knowledges in the plural.
Details
- Title A Social History of Knowledge: From Gutenberg to Diderot
- Author Peter Burke
- Binding Hardcover
- Publisher Polity Press
- ISBN 9780745624846
Remote Content Loading...
Hang on… we’re fetching the requested page.
Book Conditions Explained
Biblio’s Book Conditions
-
As NewThe book is pristine and free of any defects, in the same condition as when it was first newly published.
-
Fine (F)A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the crispness of an uncirculated, unopened volume.
-
Near Fine (NrFine or NF)Almost perfect, but not quite fine. Any defect outside of shelf-wear should be noted.
-
Very Good (VG)A used book that does show some small signs of wear - but no tears - on either binding or paper. Very good items should not have writing or highlighting.
-
Good (G or Gd.)The average used and worn book that has all pages or leaves present. ‘Good’ items often include writing and highlighting and may be ex-library. Any defects should be noted. The oft-repeated aphorism in the book collecting world is “good isn’t very good.”
-
FairIt is best to assume that a “fair” book is in rough shape but still readable.
-
Poor (P)A book with significant wear and faults. A poor condition book can still make a good reading copy but is generally not collectible unless the item is very scarce. Any missing pages must be specifically noted.
