Latin, Or, The Empire of the Sign

{ "title": "Latin, Or, The Empire of the Sign: A Social History", "introduction": { "overview": "This book by Arlette Jouan, translated by John Howe, offers an in-depth social history of the Latin language from the 1500s to the 1900s. It explores Latin not as a dead language, but as a dynamic force that shaped European society, intellectual life, and power structures for centuries. It delves into how and why people learned Latin and the privilege and power it conferred.", "whycare": "For a significant period, Latin was the lingua franca of scholars, scientists, lawyers, and the church in Europe. Proficiency in Latin was a prerequisite for intellectual and political elite status, unlocking access to universities, important careers, and social recognition. The book examines the institutions, privilege, and social dynamics associated with