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wescovington's review against another edition
3.0
Ian Sansom has made paper the latest subject of the burgeoning field of microhistory. It's an interesting topic, although you would think that he could have gotten a bit more out of it. Paper does have many more uses than just being what people write on or have information printed on.
I enjoyed what I read, but I never felt a true sense of wonder about the joy of paper. I learned something, but I wanted to learn more.
I enjoyed what I read, but I never felt a true sense of wonder about the joy of paper. I learned something, but I wanted to learn more.
sarahcoller's review against another edition
2.0
Well, I want to say that a book on paper is just as dull as it sounds. Yet, a book on paper is exactly the sort of nerdy thing that appeals to me. However, in this case---meh.
There were a few interesting parts but, like many of the "biographies of things" I come across, the author includes every bit of every random detail possible and takes lengthy jaunts in odd directions in order to fill pages. So, rather than being exciting and interesting, I found many parts to be dull and droning.
Still, some parts that I did like:
I was especially intrigued by the descriptions and histories of board games. I had no idea that paper board games were so old and that there were games like Monopoly that predate it. I'd love to get a hold of some of these neat Victorian board games!
I also loved his description of how he will go with shoddy clothes and bills owed in order to make sure he's got books. This is true Bibliomania---an ailment I suffer from without much suffering.
...and then there's the part where he used the word "phantasmagoric" by the third page. Anyone who can work that into a sentence deserves a good pat on the back! http://www.belleslibrary.com/2015/06/the-autobiography-of-mrs-tom-thumb-by.html
There were a few interesting parts but, like many of the "biographies of things" I come across, the author includes every bit of every random detail possible and takes lengthy jaunts in odd directions in order to fill pages. So, rather than being exciting and interesting, I found many parts to be dull and droning.
Still, some parts that I did like:
I was especially intrigued by the descriptions and histories of board games. I had no idea that paper board games were so old and that there were games like Monopoly that predate it. I'd love to get a hold of some of these neat Victorian board games!
I also loved his description of how he will go with shoddy clothes and bills owed in order to make sure he's got books. This is true Bibliomania---an ailment I suffer from without much suffering.
...and then there's the part where he used the word "phantasmagoric" by the third page. Anyone who can work that into a sentence deserves a good pat on the back! http://www.belleslibrary.com/2015/06/the-autobiography-of-mrs-tom-thumb-by.html
setauuta's review
informative
slow-paced
3.0
I enjoyed the take on the history of paper this book follows, in which it looks at the different ways paper impacts our lives, rather than being a straight history of paper. It's a broad approach, covering multiple areas that could probably be their own books on their own, but only touches on them lightly. The last chapter in particular puts a lot of elements together and just barely scratches the surface, leaving the reader wanting more information and analysis. Overall, though, a solid view on how paper impacts our day to day lives.
pehall's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent read. Eclectic and informative as well as great fun.
naum's review against another edition
4.0
A rather quirky book, a celebration of *paper*.
Not so much a history, but there are interesting historical bits about paper making, map making, printing, etc. interspersed throughout.
Must confess that it seems like a rather dreadfully boring topic, but I continued to be drawn back to reading.
Not so much a history, but there are interesting historical bits about paper making, map making, printing, etc. interspersed throughout.
Must confess that it seems like a rather dreadfully boring topic, but I continued to be drawn back to reading.
aditurbo's review
2.0
More about the author's tendency to show off with quotes and references to other's work than about paper. I can't believe I did not enjoy a book about this subject.
halfmanhalfbook's review against another edition
5.0
A delightful little book celebrating the material that is paper.
This is the type of book that the English do best, quirky, a single subject, and by someone with an obsession boarding on OCD!
It covers all sorts of subjects, from money to origami, it is a book that allows the author to describe his passion for this now ubiquitous material. There are lots of anecdotes and stories, and it is written in a pleasant style, with a moderate number of diagrams.
Great little book. If you liked Just My Type, you'll like this
This is the type of book that the English do best, quirky, a single subject, and by someone with an obsession boarding on OCD!
It covers all sorts of subjects, from money to origami, it is a book that allows the author to describe his passion for this now ubiquitous material. There are lots of anecdotes and stories, and it is written in a pleasant style, with a moderate number of diagrams.
Great little book. If you liked Just My Type, you'll like this