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Papyrus

THE MILLION-COPY GLOBAL BESTSELLER
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Papyrus by Irene Vallejo explores the fascinating journey of the written word from ancient times to the present. It delves into the evolution of books and libraries, examining how they have shaped cultures and societies throughout history. With captivating stories and insights, it highlights the enduring power and influence of literature in our world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the history of books and their impact on civilization. It delves into the evolution of reading and writing, exploring how these fundamental aspects of culture have shaped societies throughout history. If you have an interest in ancient history or the transformative power of literature, this book could be captivating for you.

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An enthralling 6,000-year journey through the history of books and reading. An international bestseller.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The bestselling phenomenon - a 6,000-year adventure through the history of books and reading

FINANCIAL TIMES, ECONOMIST AND MAIL ON SUNDAY BOOK OF THE YEAR

SHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH ACADEMY BOOK PRIZE 2023

'Outstanding, universal and unique' NEW YORK TIMES

'A literary phenomenon.' TLS

'Masterly.' ECONOMIST

'Mindboggling' TELEGRAPH

Long before books were mass-produced, scrolls hand copied on reeds pulled from the Nile were the treasures of the ancient world. Emperors and Pharaohs were so determined to possess them that they dispatched emissaries to the edges of the earth to bring them back.

In Papyrus, celebrated classicist Irene Vallejo traces the dramatic history of the book and the fight for its survival. This is the story of the book's journey from oral tradition to scrolls to codices, and how that transition laid the very foundation of Western culture. And it is a story full of heroic adventures, bloodshed and megalomania - from the battlefields of Alexander the Great and the palaces of Cleopatra to the libraries of war-torn Sarajevo and Oxford.

An international bestseller, Papyrus brings the ancient world to life and celebrates the enduring power of the written word.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Papyrus by Irene Vallejo is praised for its engaging storytelling, weaving a rich tapestry of literary history from ancient times to the present. Critics commend its imaginative and lively narrative, offering universal insights while celebrating the evolution and impact of books on civilization. The work is recognised for its elegant prose and the author's ability to animate ancient stories with contemporary relevance.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529344004

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder Paperback

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 464

About the Author

Irene Vallejo earned her European Doctorate from the Universities of Zaragoza and Florence. Papyrus was awarded the National Essay Prize, the Critical Eye Prize for Narrative and the Bookstore Recommendation Award, and will be published in thirty countries. She is a regular columnist for El

Pais and Heraldo de Aragon, and is the author of two children's books, two novels, and three collections of essays, articles, and short fiction.

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