The perfection of the paper clip : curious tales of invention, accidental genius, and stationery obsession / James Ward.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ward, James, 1981-

Contributor:

Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

New products--History.

New products.

Office equipment and supplies--History.

Office equipment and supplies.

Inventors--History.

Inventors.

History.

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xiv, 285 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

New York : Touchstone, 2015.

Summary:

"This wonderfully quirky book will change the way you look at your desk forever with stories of accidental genius, bitter rivalries, and an appreciation for everyday objects, like the humble but perfectly designed paper clip and the utilitarian, irreplaceable pencil. How many of humanity's brightest ideas started out on a scrap of paper, a Post-It, or in the margins of a notebook? In a delightfully witty and fresh voice, James Ward--cofounder of the Boring Conference and collector of the arcane--explores the secret histories of deskbound supplies, from pencils to fluorescent ink, and the gleaming reams of white paper we all take for granted, encouraging a deeper appreciation and fascination for the things that surround us each day. In the spirit of The Evolution of Useful Things and A History of the World in 100 Objects, Ward transforms the mundane into stories of invention, discovery, and even awe. The Perfection of the Paper Clip is a fascinating tour of the objects that touch our daily lives, filled with charming drawings, illuminating stories, and winning humor that will satisfy curious minds and armchair inventors"-- Provided by publisher.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 273-274) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Edward Potts Cheyney Memorial Fund.

ISBN:

9781476799865

1476799865

OCLC:

883148314