The History of Information

In a departure from his award-winning picture books for young children, Chris Haughton tackles a challenging and wide-ranging subject in his debut non-fiction book – the exponential development in the storage and sharing of information over the history of mankind.

A range of interconnected topics is addressed including oral language, first mark making, drawing, early writing systems and their development throughout the world. Readers learn about the groundbreaking change which came about with the development of printing, in speeding up the sharing of the written word and making it accessible to a wider audience. Other topics include the impact of scientific progress on the classification of data and the standardisation of measurements. Readers learn about the history of newspapers, their contribution to the dissemination of information and how visual culture emerged following the invention of photography. The difference made to the spread of information by the development of networks of communication from the postal service to the telephone, internet and social media is also outlined.

Issues around the sharing of information are addressed including freedom of speech, the role of ‘Big Tech,’ artificial intelligence and the growing threat of disinformation from advertising to propaganda.

The book ends with the reflection that information is meaningless if it is not understood with implications for our role as consumers of information as well as for educators of the citizens of the future.

With publisher Dorling Kindersley’s trademark double page spread for each section the layout is very clear. Each spread includes a brief introduction, short explainers and commentary with interesting examples and key individuals supported with a range of graphics and photographs. Those familiar with Haughton’s picture books will recognise his distinctive style and use of colour. The book is easy to navigate with a contents and index. Timelines are used effectively and there is a very special pull-out overview at the back of the hardback book.

A masterful study of a daunting subject; the writer’s enthusiasm, diligence and his skills with visual design are put to good effect.