Reading :: A Better Pencil

A Better Pencil: Readers, Writers, and the Digital Revolution
By Dennis Baron

Do you doubt that the pencil is a writing technology, or harbor the idea that handwriting is inherently more thoughtful than keyboarding? If not - and I imagine few readers of this blog do - then this book will be of quite restricted interest to you. I skimmed a lot.

The book looks at the development of various technologies of writing and at nostalgic attitudes surrounding them. Told in a breezy style that is half Life in these United States, half Connections, the book breaks down the target audience's assumptions about literacy technologies. Think of it as a helpful, accessible tract for the Baby Boomers in your life.