Papyrus

Papyrus by Irene Vallejo is a captivating journey through the fascinating 6,000-year history of books and reading. The narrative begins in ancient times when scrolls crafted from Nile reeds were coveted treasures. The rulers of the ancient world, including emperors and pharaohs, obsessed over acquiring these scrolls, even going so far as to send emissaries to the farthest reaches of the known world to obtain them. In this remarkable work, Vallejo, a noted classicist, artfully chronicles the evolution of the written word. She takes readers from the ephemeral nature of oral traditions, through the enduring legacy of scrolls and codices, illustrating how these changes underpinned the development of Western civilisation. The journey encompasses tales of mythic daring, intellectual breakthroughs, and the tenacity with which knowledge was defended and preserved. From the ambitious campaigns of Alexander the Great to the legendary wisdom of Cleopatra’s courts, and from the ancient libraries of Alexandria to the ravaged collections of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, Vallejo paints a vivid picture of humanity’s relentless quest for knowledge. This international bestseller goes beyond being a mere historical account; it celebrates the profound and lasting power of the written word. Vallejo brings to life forgotten stories and reflects on the book's critical role in shaping cultures and preserving human thought through the ages. The book has garnered critical acclaim from renowned publications. It was shortlisted for the British Academy Book Prize in 2023, and has been described as "outstanding, universal and unique" by the New York Times, hailed as a "literary phenomenon" by the Times Literary Supplement, and praised as "masterly" by the Economist. The Telegraph found its sweeping coverage of history "mindboggling". For readers who delight in intellectual history, the saga of human innovation, and the timeless allure of books, Papyrus offers a compelling and richly detailed experience that underscores the indelible impact of literature on our past, present, and future.