Portable Magic

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A fascinating journey into our relationship with the physical book reveals that our discussions about literature often focus on the words within, overlooking the significance of books as tangible objects in our lives. Emma Smith explores how books disrupt and disorder us, embodying what Stephen King describes as "a uniquely portable magic." This work presents a new narrative about the book's impact on humanity, tracing a millennium of pivotal interactions with various volumes. Smith emphasizes that it is the physical form of books—their 'bookhood'—that contributes to their unique and sometimes perilous allure. Through diverse examples, from the Diamond Sutra to Jilly Cooper's Riders, she illustrates how books have historically shaped relationships between readers, cultures, and ideologies. The text examines the unforeseen consequences of our love for books, celebrates the rise of the mass-market paperback, and challenges the notion that print began with Gutenberg. It highlights how American soldiers influenced reading habits and offers fresh perspectives on what defines a 'classic' and even the essence of a book. Ultimately, it reveals the complex and dynamic nature of our connection with the written word, suggesting that it is more reciprocal and turbulent than we often realize.