Global Mail Start explores the history of communication by examining the origins and evolution of mail systems. It argues that modern communication networks are not sudden inventions, but rather the result of centuries of development. The book highlights how early courier systems laid the groundwork for modern postal services, impacting trade, governance, and the spread of knowledge. For example, the development of formal postal routes in ancient empires like Persia and Rome facilitated political control and economic activity.
The book examines two key themes: the evolution of logistical infrastructure and the development of societal trust in centralized communication. It looks at how early messengers overcame physical and organizational challenges, and how mechanisms like seals and codes helped ensure message integrity. By tracing the development of these early systems, Global Mail Start connects the history of communication to broader fields like logistics, political science, and economic history. It begins with informal messenger services and progresses through organized courier networks in ancient civilizations, culminating in the standardized postal systems of the modern era.
