Along with being told through oral narration, stories have been recorded for quite some time. According to most historians, the origin of the book can be traced back to ancient Egypt, however these were not like the traditional books that we have today. Since the development of written script, around 3000 BCE, there are have been other various surfaces that written text has been recorded on including leather, stone, metal, bone, and clay. Papyrus became the most common writing surface. However, between the 2nd and 4th centuries, papyrus or parchment became the new standard. The Romans would sew folded sheets or parchment or papyrus together and bind them between covers made of wood. This was called the codex, which shares a very similar structure to the modern book.
The next innovation of the book came around 700 CE in Tang Dynasty China. An entire page of text would be intricately carved into a block of wood that would then be inked and pressed onto a page of paper which could be replicated. This is the first instance that we see production style printing. However, it wasn’t until the invention of the Gutenberg Printing Press that we saw a mass production of commercially printed books.
One of the affordances of the printed book is that they were able to be mass produced and distributed to a large number of people. This allows for stories to be shared with much larger audiences. The printed book also allows the user to go back to various parts of the story to re-read sections. A printed book is a portable, tangible device that can be taken anywhere at any time.
Similar to listening, another advantage to be able to read printed text is that it allows our brains to translate the words we read and turn them into mental visualizations which can promote imagination and creativity. Below I will show a printed text representation of the same story that was presented in the acoustic space. As you read the text, pay attention and observe if your mind begins to create mental imagery of the words you read. Does reading the text change the way you understand the story?
"Instructions" by Neil Gaiman
Touch the wooden gate in the wall you never saw before. Say "please" before you open the latch, go through, walk down the path. A red metal imp hangs from the green-painted front door, as a knocker, do not touch it; it will bite your fingers. Walk through the house. Take nothing. Eat nothing.
However, if any creature tells you that it hungers, feed it. If it tells you that it is dirty, clean it. If it cries to you that it hurts, if you can, ease its pain.
From the back garden you will be able to see the wild wood. The deep well you walk past leads to Winter's realm; there is another land at the bottom of it. If you turn around here, you can walk back, safely; you will lose no face. I will think no less of you. Once through the garden you will be in the wood. The trees are old. Eyes peer from the under-growth.
Beneath a twisted oak sits an old woman. She may ask for something; give it to her. She will point the way to the castle. Inside it are three princesses. Do not trust the youngest. Walk on. In the clearing beyond the castle the twelve months sit about a fire, warming their feet, exchanging tales. They may do favors for you, if you are polite. You may pick strawberries in December's frost.
Trust the wolves, but do not tell them where you are going. The river can be crossed by the ferry. The ferry-man will take you. (The answer to his question is this: If he hands the oar to his passenger, he will be free to leave the boat. Only tell him this from a safe distance.) If an eagle gives you a feather, keep it safe. Remember: that giants sleep too soundly; that witches are often betrayed by their appetites; dragons have one soft spot, somewhere, always; hearts can be well-hidden, and you betray them with your tongue.
Do not be jealous of your sister. Know that diamonds and roses are as uncomfortable when they tumble from one's lips as toads and frogs: colder, too, and sharper, and they cut. Remember your name. Do not lose hope — what you seek will be found. Trust ghosts. Trust those that you have helped to help you in their turn. Trust dreams. Trust your heart, and trust your story. When you come back, return the way you came. Favors will be returned, debts will be repaid. Do not forget your manners. Do not look back. Ride the wise eagle (you shall not fall). Ride the silver fish (you will not drown). Ride the grey wolf (hold tightly to his fur). There is a worm at the heart of the tower; that is why it will not stand. When you reach the little house, the place your journey started, you will recognize it, although it will seem much smaller than you remember. Walk up the path, and through the garden gate you never saw before but once. And then go home. Or make a home.
And rest.