Alarm

Object Lessons explores the history of alarms, from the alarm clock to the air-raid siren, and their impact on work, security, technology, and emotion. It examines how alarms have defined sleeping and waking, safety and danger, and shaped our understanding of the mind and its capacity for attention.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Object Lessons is a captivating series of beautifully designed books that delve into the hidden lives of ordinary things. Among these remarkable objects is the alarm, a device that has the power to awaken us, demand our attention, and force us to confront the things we often prefer to ignore. However, alarms also offer a sense of security, allowing us to sleep and retreat from alertness. Throughout history, alarms have played a crucial role in work, security, technology, and emotion. From the alarm clock and air-raid siren to the doorbell and phone alert, alarms have evolved to meet the demands of different cultures and times. "Alarm" explores the diverse range of alarms, from the restless presence of the alarm clock in modernist art to the siren's sound in classic hip-hop. It goes beyond mere bells and whistles, delving into the deeper meanings and cultural significance of alarms. Object Lessons is published in partnership with The Atlantic, a renowned magazine that publishes thought-provoking essays. Together, these two platforms offer a unique perspective on the world and its objects, shedding light on the hidden stories and meanings that often go unnoticed.

Weight: 144g
Dimension: 121 x 165 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501375576