The Rise of the Image, the Fall of the Word
The Information Revolution is upon us. The world of the printed word is dying, and moving images are gaining ground. MTV, Sesame Street, and the old stand-by Laugh In have thrust "multiple fragments" of fast-cut images in our faces, and we enjoy, learn, and revel in them. Such is the philosophy of Stephens (journalism and mass communications, New York Univ.), solidly explained and delineated with powerful insights into the classics of literature, film, and television. Although he foresees the "fall" of the printed word, Stephens says it will not be so bad. The "New Video" will bring us joy and great avenues for learning, teaching, and appreciating the world. As in his A History of News: From the Drum to the Satellite (LJ 10/15/88), Stephens paints a much broader picture of mass communication and where it is heading, citing examples such as Flaubert, Shakespeare, and even Ally McBeal. Easy to read and fascinating to think about, this is a keeper. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.?Kay Bowes, Wilmington Inst. Lib., DECopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.