{"product_id":"the-perfection-of-the-paper-clip-curious-tales-of-invention-accidental-genius-and-stationery-obsession-9781476799872","title":"The Perfection of the Paper Clip: Curious Tales of Invention, Accidental Genius, and Stationery Obsession","description":"\u003cb\u003eChange 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 \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eutilitarian, irreplaceable pencil.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eHow 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. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn the spirit of \u003ci\u003eThe Evolution of Useful Things\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eA History of the World in 100 Objects\u003c\/i\u003e, Ward transforms the mundane into remarkable stories of invention, discovery, and even awe. \u003ci\u003eThe Perfection of the Paper Clip\u003c\/i\u003e is \"a hugely entertaining experience for the reader...this engaging book is an absolute must\" (\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJames Ward is the cofounder of the Stationery Club and the Boring Conference, featured in \u003ci\u003eThe\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eWall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e and\u003ci\u003e The\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eObserver \u003c\/i\u003e(London). His blog\u003ci\u003e I Like Boring Things\u003c\/i\u003e, has been featured in \u003ci\u003eThe\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eIndependent \u003c\/i\u003eand on the BBC website. He lives in London, and \u003ci\u003eThe Perfection of the Paper Clip\u003c\/i\u003e is his first book.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Atria Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50874332283154,"sku":"9781476799872","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_9bdd0e8b-b280-4926-84ae-07abeaaf8a32.jpg?v=1737990094","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-perfection-of-the-paper-clip-curious-tales-of-invention-accidental-genius-and-stationery-obsession-9781476799872","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}