The Written World

The Power of Stories to Shape People, History, Civilization

By: Martin Puchner

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

The story of literature in sixteen acts—from Homer to Harry Potter, including The Tale of Genji, Don Quixote, The Communist Manifesto, and how they shaped world history

In this groundbreaking book, Martin Puchner leads us on a remarkable journey through time and around the globe to reveal the how stories and literature have created the world we have today. Through sixteen foundational texts selected from more than four thousand years of world literature, he shows us how writing has inspired the rise and fall of empires and nations, the spark of philosophical and political ideas, and the birth of religious beliefs.

We meet Murasaki, a lady from eleventh-century Japan who wrote the first novel, The Tale of Genji, and follow the adventures of Miguel de Cervantes as he battles pirates, both seafaring and literary. We watch Goethe discover world literature in Sicily, and follow the rise in influence of The Communist Manifesto. Puchner takes us to Troy, Pergamum, and China, speaks with Nobel laureates Derek Walcott in the Caribbean and Orhan Pamuk in Istanbul, and introduces us to the wordsmiths of the oral epic Sunjata in West Africa. This delightful narrative also chronicles the inventions—writing technologies, the printing press, the book itself—that have shaped people, commerce, and history. In a book that Elaine Scarry has praised as “unique and spellbinding,” Puchner shows how literature turned our planet into a written world.

Praise for The Written World

“It’s with exhilaration . . . that one hails Martin Puchner’s book, which asserts not merely the importance of literature but its all-importance. . . . Storytelling is as human as breathing.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Puchner has a keen eye for the ironies of history. . . . His ideal is ‘world literature,’ a phrase he borrows from Goethe. . . . The breathtaking scope and infectious enthusiasm of this book are a tribute to that ideal.”—The Sunday Times (U.K.)

“Enthralling . . . Perfect reading for a long chilly night . . . [Puchner] brings these works and their origins to vivid life.”—BookPage

“Well worth a read, to find out how come we read.”—Margaret Atwood, via Twitter

A Must Have in anyone's library.

I truly enjoyed listening to the audio version of this work. I honestly didnt want it to end and secretly wished every classic work of art can be reviewed by the author. I have understood and retained a historical aspect of the world's history better than in any class or coursework I have taken. I never liked history for that reason. Martin Puchner has done: I love history if it is told so eloquently and accessibly. Most importantly, I enjoyed a scrupulous, fair and unbiased interpretations of the literature pieces discussed in this book. one tiny note, though, the battle in July of 571 between Chinese and Arabs if to be affiliated to the area if Kazakhstan, then it should be called Talas region. The battle is said to have happened in Talas city, and that would be Kyrgyzstan. its minor really, but either switch city to region and keep Kaxakhstan or keep Talas CITY and correct the country to Kyrgyzstan.

I found this a worthwhile listen

Helped me see classics I knew in a new light - Exposed me to classics I don't yet know. Following Puchner's ideas on literature, the evolving technology supporting story telling, and the contextual importance of place offered me new vantage points.

Captivating narration and excellent history

Phenomenally informative history that provokes Google searches along the way for an interactive experience. Rare.

Excellent information

The influence of books and stories through history will amaze you as you read. Several books they rate as a big cultural influences, I initially did not agree with but I was soon convinced as the back story to what brought about and it’s continuing influence will change your mind.

Powerful and illuminating!

I went to college in the early 1960s and was only introduced to British and American literature. There were significant gaps in my knowledge of literature from both ancient civilizations and emerging nations. Dr. Puchner brings a wealth of knowledge and places it within a vast frame. He blends literature, history, economics, religion and political movements. His lively writing style engages readers as he travels the world in search of foundational texts. This is a must read!

Anthony Bourdain is to food as
Rick Steves is to travel as
Neil Degrasse Tyson is to astrophysics as
Martin Puchner is to the written world, and
Probably more entertaining.