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Wonderland: how play made the modern world

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This lushly illustrated history of popular entertainment takes a long-zoom approach, contending that the pursuit of novelty and wonder is a powerful driver of world-shaping technological change. Steven Johnson argues that, throughout history, the cutting edge of innovation lies wherever people are working the hardest to keep themselves and others amused.

Johnson's storytelling is just as delightful as the inventions he describes, full of surprising stops along the journey from simple concepts to complex modern systems. He introduces us to the colorful innovators of leisure: the explorers, proprietors, showmen, and artists who changed the trajectory of history with their luxurious wares, exotic meals, taverns, gambling tables, and magic shows.

In Wonderland, Johnson compellingly argues that observers of technological and social trends should be looking for clues in novel amusements. You'll find the future wherever people are having the most fun.

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Availability

Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

909 JOH w

Publisher

New York : Riverhead Books., 2016

Collation

336 p. ; ill. ; 22 cm

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

9780399184499

Classification

900

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

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Subject(s)

Technology
History
Science
Business

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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Other Information

Level

High School

Book Segment

Select -- Reading for pleasure -- Program Reference

Reading Level

Independent

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