Portable Magic

In Portable Magic, Emma Smith delves into the compelling history of books, portraying them as a transformative technology that has shaped human experience for centuries. Through an exploration of diverse subjects—from the myths surrounding the Gutenberg Press to the roles of decorative gift books in social movements—Smith reveals how the physicality of books, or "bookhood," influences our emotional connections to literature. This engaging narrative illuminates not only the reasons behind our enduring fascination with books but also the profound impact they have had throughout history.