Portable Magic : A History of Books and their Readers by Emma Smith 9780141991931

Portable Magic : A History of Books and their Readers

£10.99 GBP
£10.99 GBP
Experience the enchanting world of literature with Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers by Emma Smith. This...
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Subtotal: £10.99

Experience the enchanting world of literature with Portable Magic: A History of Books and their Readers by Emma Smith. This fascinating book unveils the deep and complex relationship we have with physical books, transforming our understanding of reading into something truly extraordinary.

In Portable Magic, Smith takes readers on a compelling journey through a millennium of literary history, illustrating how books shape our lives and interactions. Drawing inspiration from Stephen King's description of books as 'uniquely portable magic', this work showcases pivotal moments that challenge conventional views of literary history.

  • Explores the significance of 'bookhood': Dive into the physical essence of books and discover how they influence culture and ideology.
  • Reveals unknown insights: Uncover delightful anecdotes that redefine our understanding of reading and its impact on society.
  • Challenges traditional narratives: Debunk the myth of Gutenberg as the sole father of print while highlighting the influence of American soldiers on global reading habits.
  • Showcases a rich tapestry: From the ancient Diamond Sutra to modern bestsellers like Jilly Cooper's Riders, witness how books have shaped relationships across cultures.

Emma Smith’s Portable Magic invites readers to embrace a new perspective on literature, celebrating the reciprocal nature of our relationship with books. Its groundbreaking narrative illuminates the profound impact these artisan objects have on our lives, encouraging a deeper engagement with the written word.

Product Information

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

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.

This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.

We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.

Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’

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