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The Perfection of the Paper Clip: Curious Tales of Invention, Accidental Genius, and Stationery Obsession - Paperback | Diverse Reads

The Perfection of the Paper Clip: Curious Tales of Invention, Accidental Genius, and Stationery Obsession

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Change the way you look at office supplies forever with this wonderfully enlightening and quirky exploration of the fascinating backstories of everyday objects, such as the humble and perfectly designed paper clip and the utilitarian, irreplaceable pencil.

How many of humanity’s brightest ideas started out on a scrap of paper 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 remarkable stories of invention, discovery, and even awe. The Perfection of the Paper Clip is “a hugely entertaining experience for the reader...this engaging book is an absolute must” (Booklist).

ISBN-13: 9781476799872

Media Type: Paperback

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: 04-21-2020

Pages: 304

Product Dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.38(h) x 0.70(d)

James Ward is the cofounder of the Stationery Club and the Boring Conference, featured in The Wall Street Journal and The Observer (London). His blog I Like Boring Things, has been featured in The Independent and on the BBC website. He lives in London, and The Perfection of the Paper Clip is his first book.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Velos 1377 Revolving Desk Tidy vii

1 The Gem 1

2 Pins and clips 11

3 Everything I know about people, I learnt from pens 23

4 Had a love affair but it was only paper 57

5 They can't move until I pick up a pencil 85

6 We all make mistakes 107

7 Take me, I'm yours 127

8 Wish you were here 135

9 Back to school 151

10 The highlight of my life 173

11 I'm sticking with you 187

12 Your business card is crap 209

13 Hypertext on a refrigerator door 225

14 A staple diet 237

15 The storeroom of knowledge 249

16 Tomorrow's world 263

Acknowledgments 271

Select bibliography 273

Index 275