A History Of Mass Communication

The book traces the history of mass communication from ancient times to the present day. It covers six periods: information revolutions (writing, printing, mass media, entertainment, the "toolshed" (home now), and the information highway). In each period, the author discusses how the means of communication have changed and how they have influenced society. The book is comprehensive and avoids the usual dryness associated with historical tests. It is perfect for an undergraduate class-quick and painless.

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. Review: I find the book to be quite thorough and provocative. Fang's book is comprehensive and avoids the usual dryness associated with historical tests. It is perfect for an undergraduate class-quick and painless. An excellent introduction to the development and subsequent uses of communications technologies throughout the ages. Includes overviews of everything from ancient writings on clay to the electronic newspaper with more than a few significant inventions in between. Most importantly however Fong manages to historically situate these media and examine their considerable social impact ideal for university freshmena d sophomore students.