Episode 1

Melvyn Bragg investigates the development of the written word and how it has shaped our intellectual history. In this first programme he looks at the technology of writing, arguably our most important invention. He examines some of the oldest surviving writing implements, and discovers and how making signs on clay, wood or parchment enabled the development of human culture. Producer: Thomas Morris.

→ Play on BBC Sounds website

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Programme ID: b018wfsc

Episode page: bbc.co.uk/programmes/b018wfsc

Auto-category: 411 (Writing systems and alphabets)