The History of Information

The History of Information by best-selling author Chris Haughton offers a captivating exploration into the evolution of knowledge, communication, and the flow of information that shapes our world today. Shortlisted for the prestigious British Book Awards 2025, this debut non-fiction work dives deeper than traditional history books by asking the essential why behind historical events rather than just the what and when.

This visually stunning book unravels complex concepts by tracing the journey from the first languages and cave paintings to modern communication methods. Chris Haughton's unique blend of timelines, graphics, and illustrations makes understanding the profound impact of information accessible for both children and adults.

The narrative connects pivotal developments such as the rise of religions, the emergence of states and democracies, and contemporary challenges like big tech, polarization, and AI. It highlights how the struggle to share and control information has influenced society’s structure, including gender dynamics and cultural shifts.

Key features include:

• A beautifully illustrated history of visual communication intertwined with the history of information.
• Insightful analysis linking historical and modern phenomena through the lens of information flow.
• Content crafted and illustrated by world-renowned, multi-award winning author Chris Haughton.
• A global perspective, detailing humanity’s relationship with information across time and cultures.

The History of Information is an essential addition to any collection for readers eager to understand the forces that have shaped our civilization through the power of information.