We are surrounded by stationery: half-chewed Cristal Bics and bent paper clips, rubber bands to fiddle with or ping, blunt pencils, rubbers and Tipp-ex are integral parts of our everyday environment. So much so that we never think about where they come from, why they are the way they are - or what stories they might have to tell.
But luckily, James Ward does and he's here to tell you all about the secret pull stationery exerts on our lives. After all, who remains unmoved by the sight of a pristine blu-tak slab, or the first unmarked sheet of a brand new notepad? And which of humanity's brightest ideas didn't start life on a scrap of paper, a Post-it, or in the margins of a notebook?
Exploring the stories behind these everyday objects, Ward reveals tales of invention - accidental and brilliant - and bitter rivalry. He also asks the questions you never thought you had: Who is Mr Pritt? What does shatter-proof resistant mean? How many pens does Argos use? And what does design evolutions in desk organisers mean for society?
This witty and entertaining book, packed with fascinating facts, will change the way you look at your desk, pencil case or stationery cupboard forever.
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
eBook - ePub
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Table of contents
- Copyright Page
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Chapter 1: Velos 1377 revolving desk tidy
- Chapter 2: Everything I know about people, I learnt from pens
- Chapter 3: Had a love affair but it was only paper
- Chapter 4: They can’t move until I pick up a pencil
- Chapter 5: We all make mistakes
- Chapter 6: Take me, I’m yours
- Chapter 7: Wish you were here
- Chapter 8: Back to school
- Chapter 9: The highlight of my life
- Chapter 10: I’m sticking with you
- Chapter 11: Hypertext on a refrigerator door
- Chapter 12: A staple diet
- Chapter 13: The storeroom of knowledge
- Chapter 14: Tomorrow’s world
- Index
- Select bibliography
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Yes, you can access Adventures in Stationery by James Ward in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in History & Social History. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.