Signature

Object Lessons is a series of short books that explore the hidden lives of ordinary things, including signatures, handwriting analysis, and tattooing. It explores the history and cultural significance of signatures, from ancient handprints to modern legal challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Object Lessons is a captivating series of short books that delve into the enigmatic world of everyday objects. These beautifully designed volumes explore the hidden lives and profound significance of ordinary things, challenging our perceptions and revealing the rich tapestry of human experiences.

Why do we sign our names? What is the power behind the simple act of scribbling our signature? Signatures often necessitate the presence of a witness, as if the scrawl itself is insufficient to validate our identity. Signature delves into these profound questions, traversing a diverse range of settings and perspectives.

From a roundtable discussion on the Greek island of Syros, where experts discuss the historical and cultural significance of signatures, to a lively pub in England, where handwriting analysis is conducted, Signature takes us on a journey of discovery. It explores the diverse beliefs and desires that shape our signing practices, examining the role of signatures in personal expression, identity, and legal matters.

Signature's historical scope encompasses ancient handprints on cave walls, autograph hunters, the branding of slaves, metaphysical poetry, medical malpractice, hip-hop lyrics, legal challenges to electronic signatures, ice cores harvested from Greenland, and tales of forgery and autopens. It is a cultural chronicle, a travelogue, and a profound exploration of the identifying marks left by people, animals, and planetary forces.

Through Signature, we uncover the stories and fantasies hidden within the signatures of individuals and groups. We learn about the personal connections and emotional resonances tied to our signatures, as well as the broader cultural and societal implications of these marks. The series offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience, inviting readers to reflect on the power of identity, expression, and the ordinary objects that shape our lives.

Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic, further amplifying its reach and impact. This collaboration allows readers to delve deeper into the themes explored in the books and engage in a broader conversation about the hidden wonders of the world around us.

In conclusion, Object Lessons is a remarkable series that offers a fresh perspective on the world we inhabit. Through its captivating stories and insightful analysis, it invites us to appreciate the ordinary objects that surround us and to explore the deeper meanings and narratives hidden within their signatures. Signature is a testament to the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities that lie within the simplest of gestures.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 121 x 165 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501353345