Portable Magic : A History of Books and their Readers

Emma Smith's 'Portable Magic' offers an enthralling exploration of our complex relationship with the physical book. As Val McDermid notes in The Times, the work is brimming with delightful, previously unknown titbits that leave readers pleasantly surprised.

Whilst much discourse on books centres on their content—the nostalgic glow of childhood reads or the lifelong companionship of beloved novels—Smith delves into the often-overlooked physicality of books. She examines how we interact with them as objects, and in turn, how they influence and disrupt our lives. Drawing on Stephen King's notion of books as 'uniquely portable magic', Smith unravels the reasons behind their profound impact on us.

This groundbreaking narrative spans a millennium of pivotal encounters with volumes of all sizes, revealing that the 'bookhood'—the physical essence of books—is as crucial as their content in bestowing their distinctive and sometimes provocative magic. From ancient texts like the Diamond Sutra to modern bestsellers such as Jilly Cooper's 'Riders', and even unconventional creations like cheese-slice books, Smith demonstrates how this composite artisanal object has significantly shaped relationships between readers, nations, ideologies, and cultures in often unforeseen ways.

'Portable Magic' challenges established notions, debunking the myth of Gutenberg as the father of print and highlighting the impact of American soldiers on our reading habits. It proposes fresh definitions of literary classics and the concept of 'book' itself. Ultimately, Smith illuminates the reciprocal and sometimes tumultuous nature of our relationship with the written word, offering a perspective that goes beyond our typical understanding.

Product Information:

Book ISBN:	9780141991931
Book Author:	Emma Smith
Book Format:	Paperback / softback
Book Imprint:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Publisher:	Penguin Books Ltd
Book Dimensions:	130 x 197 x 22 cm
Book Publication Date:	2023-04-27
Book Pagination:	352 pages
Book Weight:	254g