Silence: A Social History of Length

*Silence: A Social History of Length* explores how societies have valued and interpreted silence throughout history. It examines the cultural, social, and political ways people perceive silence—from its use in rituals to moments of protest or reflection. The book reveals that silence isn’t just an absence of sound but a meaningful form of communication that can convey power, resistance, respect, or discomfort. By analyzing different historical contexts, it shows how ideas about silence shape social interactions and reflect broader cultural beliefs about speech, listening, and authority.