Nothing Happened: A History

The past is what happened, and history is what we remember and write about it. This book redefines Nothing as something we have known and can remember, and suggests that by paying attention to how we understand Nothing to be happening in the present, we can recover histories that were there all along.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2021
Publisher: Stanford University Press

The past is a tapestry woven with events and memories that shape our understanding of the world. History, as we perceive it, is the narrative we construct to make sense of these experiences and their origins. However, what does it mean to gaze into the past and perceive nothing as having occurred? Why do we feel as if the way things were is no longer the case? This book seeks to redefine the concept of "nothing" and present it as something we have known and can remember.

For centuries, "nothing" has been a catch-all term used to describe everything that is supposedly uninteresting or simply non-existent. It has been a placeholder for the mundane, the irrelevant, and the absent. However, as Susan A. Crane reveals in her insightful and thought-provoking exploration, "nothing" has been happening all along. It is a force that has been present throughout history, shaping our experiences and influencing our perceptions.

In her witty and provocative discussion, Crane challenges our preconceived notions of "nothing" and presents it as a fascinating concept. She argues that when we perceive nothing as having changed but believe it should have, we encounter injustice. Similarly, when nothing happens over a long period of time, we may feel boredom, as the monotony of routine dulls our senses. Justice, boredom, and relief or disappointment when nothing occurs all have their histories.

By paying attention to how we understand "nothing" to be happening in the present, what it means to know "nothing" or to do "nothing," we can begin to explore how these experiences will be remembered in the future. Crane employs visual analysis and cultural studies to suggest a new way of thinking about history. By remembering how "nothing" happened, how "nothing" is the way it was, or how "nothing" has changed, we can recover histories that have been overlooked or forgotten.

Through her work, Crane invites us to reevaluate our perception of the past and to recognize the significance of "nothing" in shaping our world. She challenges us to think beyond the surface and to explore the deeper meanings and implications of our experiences. By doing so, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of history and the forces that have shaped it.

In conclusion, this book offers a fresh perspective on the concept of "nothing" and presents it as a fascinating and important aspect of our historical and cultural landscape. By redefining "nothing" and exploring its implications, Susan A. Crane invites us to reevaluate our understanding of the past and to consider the ways in which our experiences will be remembered in the future.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503613478