A History of Diagrams

This book examines the use of diagrams throughout history, from their Paleolithic antecedents to the present day. Drawing on theories and concepts from the cognitive sciences, the author explores the evolution of diagrammatic forms and their impact on the accumulation and dissemination of knowledge. This exploration reveals how paradigm shifts in worldviews and advances in image production technologies have shaped the way humans have given spatial form to abstract ideas. Highlighting global trends and regional variations, the book offers insights into how different societies have visualised complex ideas over time. Scholars, researchers and students in disciplines such as cognitive science, history and visual studies will find this book enlightening. It provides a comprehensive analysis that bridges historical and contemporary perspectives, making it essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the central role of diagrams in human thought and communication.

Janne Holmén is Associate Professor of the History of Education at Uppsala University, Sweden. His research interests include textbook studies, conceptual history and cognitive history. Janne specialises in comparative studies of the history of education, often from a history of science perspective.