About the book
A Best Book of the Year:
Mother Jones • Bloomberg News • National Post • Kirkus
In these pages, Nicholas Basbanes—the consummate bibliophile’s bibliophile—shows how paper has been civilization’s constant companion. It preserves our history and gives record to our very finest literary, cultural, and scientific accomplishments. Since its invention in China nearly two millennia ago, the technology of paper has spread throughout the inhabited world.
With deep knowledge and care, Basbanes traces paper’s trail from the earliest handmade sheets to the modern-day mills. Paper, yoked to politics, has played a crucial role in the unfolding of landmark events, from the American Revolution to Daniel Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers to the aftermath of 9/11. Without paper, modern hygienic practice would be unimaginable; as currency, people will do almost anything to possess it; and, as a tool of expression, it is inextricable from human culture. Lavishly researched, compellingly written, this masterful guide illuminates paper’s endless possibilities.
Editions of On Paper
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780307279644
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780307266422
- EBook
- ISBN 9780385350440
Read an Excerpt
A Best Book of the Year:
Mother Jones • Bloomberg News • National Post • Kirkus
In these pages, Nicholas Basbanes—the consummate bibliophile’s bibliophile—shows how paper has been civilization’s constant companion. It preserves our history and gives record to our very finest literary, cultural, and scientific accomplishments. Since its invention in China nearly two millennia ago, the technology of paper has spread throughout the inhabited world.
With deep knowledge and care, Basbanes traces paper’s trail from the earliest handmade sheets to the modern-day mills. Paper, yoked to politics, has played a crucial role in the unfolding of landmark events, from the American Revolution to Daniel Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers to the aftermath of 9/11. Without paper, modern hygienic practice would be unimaginable; as currency, people will do almost anything to possess it; and, as a tool of expression, it is inextricable from human culture. Lavishly researched, compellingly written, this masterful guide illuminates paper’s endless possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is On Paper about?
A Best Book of the Year:
Mother Jones • Bloomberg News • National Post • Kirkus
In these pages, Nicholas Basbanes—the consummate bibliophile’s bibliophile—shows how paper has been civilization’s constant companion. It preserves our history and gives record to our very finest literary, cultural, and scientific accomplishments. Since its invention in China nearly two millennia ago, the technology of paper has spread throughout the inhabited world.
With deep knowledge and care, Basbanes traces paper’s trail from the earliest handmade sheets to the modern-day mills. Paper, yoked to politics, has played a crucial role in the unfolding of landmark events, from the American Revolution to Daniel Ellsberg’s Pentagon Papers to the aftermath of 9/11. Without paper, modern hygienic practice would be unimaginable; as currency, people will do almost anything to possess it; and, as a tool of expression, it is inextricable from human culture. Lavishly researched, compellingly written, this masterful guide illuminates paper’s endless possibilities.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in On Paper?
History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Social and cultural history
Where can I read a sample of On Paper?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780307279644
Who is/are the Author/s of the book On Paper?
Nicholas A. Basbanes
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
On Paper is available as paperback(ISBN 9780307279644) and altformat(ISBN 9780307266422) and ebook(ISBN 9780385350440)
Where can I buy On Paper online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy On Paper from below
Where can I buy On Paper?