The Alphabet: A Key to the History of Mankind by David Diringer, published by Hutchinson\'s Scientific and Technical Publications. First published 1948, second edition 1949. Includes Diringer\'s obituaries from the Times and the Telegraph in the back of the book. The book looks at the history of writing, including non-alphabetic writing, the origins of the alphabet, and scripts from around the world.In very good condition, bound in red cloth with dull gold text detail on the spine. Bumped corners and head and tail of spine. Fading to spine, small marks on the front and back. Owners\' Ex Libris sticker inside front cover. Foxing on the inside covers and the front and back end papers. Slight discolouration on page edges but otherwise in very good condition. Slight scuffing on the top edge of the block. Slight marking on block edges. Foxing on the obituaries in the back of the book.