Du papyrus à l'hypertexte : essai sur les mutations du texte et de la lecture

Topics in the Digital Humanities

by Christian Vandendorpe

Jusque vers la fin des années soixante-dix, on pouvait encore croire que l'ordinateur n'aurait d'effet que sur les domaines scientifiques et techniques. On se rend compte aujourd'hui que cet appareil et les technologies qui l'accompagnent sont en train de révolutionner la façon même dont notre civilisation crée, emmagasine et transmet le savoir. À terme, cette mutation influencera l'outil le plus précieux que l'homme ait inventé pour construire ses connaissances et élaborer son image de soi et du monde : le texte. Et comme celui-ci n'existe qu'en fonction de la lecture, les mutations du premier ont des répercussions sur la seconde, de même que celles de la seconde entraînent nécessairement la mise en place d'autres modes de textualité. On ne lit pas un hypertexte comme on lit un roman, et la navigation sur le Web procure une expérience différente de la lecture d'un livre ou du journal. C'est à l'ensemble de ces bouleversements qu'est consacré l'ouvrage de Christian Vanderdorpe. S'inscrivant au croisement de travaux de plus en plus nombreux consacrés à l'histoire de la lecture, l'hypertexte, l'ordre de l'écrit,, la " fin " du livre et la médiologie, ce livre conduit une réflexion passionnante sur la place et l'avenir de l'écrit dans notre civilisation.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Edd Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say for the direction this world is going in, great introduction. The books layout of the practice of reading was special. It came to terms with modernization of the use with hypertext & literature. Being literate in both those areas is important in those areas which was expressed correctly. But I’m not absolutely sure if this book is outdated or not. With names and Authors we know alike philosophizing about literacy across the board ranging from the oral and physical aspects of reading this book was easy to follow and understand the direction it was going in. Especially talking, and the way the author narrated it. I wish I could give it 5 stars but due to length in writing it gives 4. If you could expose me to more like this please do, I’m hear for it!

[Andrew Winkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of essays despite its age. As with any book that explores technology's impact on culture, these essays have lost some of their relevance as software and technology have either addressed some of the concerns or moved in unforeseen directions. Despite this, the book is worth reading if you are interested in text, structure, and the impact of technology on the reader.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty interesting for a textbook, I suppose. A lot of interesting thoughts.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful and important insights, mixed with other less useful, less accurate, and/or starting to get dated (already) thoughts. This is an important book in some ways, and certainly an important topic for our modern, digital, information age. As would be expected on such a topic, however, even the 2007 update of this originally 1999 text is getting a bit out of date in places. His scholarship is vast and varied and brings a great deal of credibility to his thoughts, more so than most writers on this and related topics. His writing style can become very academic, and is likely inaccessible in many instances to the average reader.