The Rise of the Image the Fall of the Word

Although Stephen's writing style may make it difficult for the scholar to take him seriously (he sounds more like an Info-Age geek than a academic), he presents some extrordinary ideas that shouldn't be ignored or overlooked. For example, his list of the new elements and principles of design spawned by Info-Age art forms is revolutionary. A must read for the Info-Age artist, art critic, social-critic, or art educator!

I teach a graduate design class, and this book is a great way to let students think about their role in the fast changing world of visual communications. Stephens has a great way of putting things in perspective, and notes that each fundamental change in communication has met with resistance, i.e. we still think of TV as the Boob Tube. When I read it a few years ago, it seemed so new--it's fun to see how his theories are quickly melding into our culture seamlessly. It's been an optional read for my students--now it's time to make it mandatory!

With TV viewing increasing, it is no wonder more people depend on television than books or newspapers. Mr. Stephens states that the image has not conquered the word yet, it may not happen at all, but he fears it will. Eloquently written and researched, with an excellent chapter 'thinking "above the stream"' that includes director Mark Pellington (Arlington Road). This book is especially useful for journalism students.

For original thinking and stimulating ideas, this book ranks with _Understanding Media_ and _Orality and Literacy._ Stephens's reasoning is clear; his argument is elegantly constructed, fluid, logical; what's more, his writing flows, never stumbles, sometimes sings. A great pleasure to read for that as well as for its original ideas. I am recommending this book to everyone I know with an interest in media.

As a 22 year old I find it quite amazing that someone has the insight to recognize the value of the new media (technology). "Word" is not dead yet, witness I read the whole book. But there are big changes to come, get ready.