Paraphernalia: The Curious Lives of Magical Things

From keys and handkerchiefs to sweets and rubber bands, the curious objects we surround ourselves with, though often seemingly mundane, have a magical quality.Their surprising power to disturb, soothe, seduce or absorb give these quirky objects histories and meanings we rarely ponder. Yet we would be lost without them.Take bags, for example. Why do most women carry handbags, while men rely on pockets? Why do so many houses have bags of bags? And why do we 'let the cat out the bag' or 'give someone the sack'? What significance do our bags hold for us? In this highly imaginative and entertaining book, Steven Connor embarks on a historical, philosophical and linguistic journey that explores our relationships with the curious things with which we have a forgotten but daily intimacy.From combs and keys to
sweets and handkerchiefs, certain objects, though seemingly mundane, can
have a magical quality, and an often surprising power to arouse,
absorb, disturb, or soothe.
Take bags, for example. Why do most
women carry handbags, while men rely on pockets? Why do so many houses
have bags of bags? And why do we 'let the cat out the bag' or 'give
someone the sack'? What significance do our bags hold for us?
Imaginatively
and entertainingly, Steven Connor embarks on a historical,
philosophical and linguistic journey that explores our relationships
with the curious things with which we have a forgotten but daily
intimacy.