In this foundational episode, Harper takes listeners on a journey through calligraphy's rich global history, from ancient Mesopotamian cuneiform to modern interpretations. The episode explores how calligraphy evolved across Chinese, Islamic, and European traditions, highlighting influential masters like Wang Xizhi and Ibn Muqla. Harper examines how calligraphy has served religious, political, and artistic purposes throughout history, reflecting cultural values and technological developments. The episode concludes by considering how the printing press and digital technology transformed calligraphy's role from practical communication to artistic expression, setting the stage for understanding contemporary practice.