The gem
Pins and clips
Everything I know about people, I learnt from pens
Had a love affair but it was only paper
They can't move until I pick up a pencil
We all make mistakes
Take me, I'm yours
Wish you were here
Back to school
The highlight of my life
I'm sticking with you
Your business card is crap
Hypertext on a refrigerator door
A staple diet
The storeroom of knowledge
Tomorrow's world

"This wonderfully quirky book will change the way you look at your desk forever with stories of accidental genius, bitter rivalries, and an appreciation for everyday objects, like the humble but perfectly designed paper clip and the utilitarian, irreplaceable pencil. How many of humanity's brightest ideas started out on a scrap of paper, a Post-It, 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. In the spirit of The Evolution of Useful Things and A History of the World in 100 Objects, Ward transforms the mundane into stories of invention, discovery, and even awe. The Perfection of the Paper Clip is a fascinating tour of the objects that touch our daily lives, filled with charming drawings, illuminating stories, and winning humor that will satisfy curious minds and armchair inventors"-- Provided by publisher