Steven Roger Fischer FRS is the author of many popular books including A History of Language (1999) and A History of Writing (2001), both published by Reaktion.

[An] authoritative account . . . if you’re intrigued with writing’s past, Fischer’s book is well worth a read . . . a brilliant book. - New Scientist[It] is wonderful . . . to see a subject that embraces so much of human civilisation handled with the wide knowledge and breadth of vision it deserves. - NatureA uniquely entertaining study of human language . . . All libraries need to have this book on their shelves. - Pennsylvania Literary JournalThe book contains fascinating insights into significant writing discoveries . . . A History of Writing is well worth reading from cover to cover, or dipping into, because of the remarkable detail. The book is of general interest and accessible to everyone. Technical terms are all carefully explained for the lay reader. - Journal of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading