American Hieroglyphics
The Symbol of the Egyptian Hieroglyphics in the American Renaissance
By John T. Irwin | Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
About the book
A sophisticated examination of the American Symbolists, back in print for the first time in more than a decade.
The discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the subsequent decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics captured the imaginations of nineteenth-century American writers and provided a focal point for their speculations on the relationships between sign, symbol, language, and meaning. Through fresh readings of classic works by Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville, John T. Irwin’s American Hieroglyphics examines the symbolic mode associated with the pictographs.
Irwin demonstrates how American Symbolist literature of the period was motivated by what he calls \"hieroglyphic doubling,\" the use of pictographic expression as a medium of both expression and interpretation. Along the way, he touches upon a wide range of topics that fascinated people of the day, including the journey to the source of the Nile and ideas about the origin of language.
Editions of American Hieroglyphics
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781421421155
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780801829086
- EBook
- ISBN 9781421421162
Read an Excerpt
A sophisticated examination of the American Symbolists, back in print for the first time in more than a decade.
The discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the subsequent decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics captured the imaginations of nineteenth-century American writers and provided a focal point for their speculations on the relationships between sign, symbol, language, and meaning. Through fresh readings of classic works by Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville, John T. Irwin’s American Hieroglyphics examines the symbolic mode associated with the pictographs.
Irwin demonstrates how American Symbolist literature of the period was motivated by what he calls \"hieroglyphic doubling,\" the use of pictographic expression as a medium of both expression and interpretation. Along the way, he touches upon a wide range of topics that fascinated people of the day, including the journey to the source of the Nile and ideas about the origin of language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Hieroglyphics about?
A sophisticated examination of the American Symbolists, back in print for the first time in more than a decade.
The discovery of the Rosetta Stone and the subsequent decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphics captured the imaginations of nineteenth-century American writers and provided a focal point for their speculations on the relationships between sign, symbol, language, and meaning. Through fresh readings of classic works by Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Poe, Hawthorne, and Melville, John T. Irwin’s American Hieroglyphics examines the symbolic mode associated with the pictographs.
Irwin demonstrates how American Symbolist literature of the period was motivated by what he calls \"hieroglyphic doubling,\" the use of pictographic expression as a medium of both expression and interpretation. Along the way, he touches upon a wide range of topics that fascinated people of the day, including the journey to the source of the Nile and ideas about the origin of language.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Hieroglyphics?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism
Where can I read a sample of American Hieroglyphics?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781421421155
Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Hieroglyphics?
John T. Irwin
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
American Hieroglyphics is available as paperback(ISBN 9781421421155) and paperback(ISBN 9780801829086) and ebook(ISBN 9781421421162)
Where can I buy American Hieroglyphics online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy American Hieroglyphics?