Stroller

The Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things, such as strollers, which have become cultural identifiers and status symbols. Despite the many models available, a harried mother struggling to use a stroller in a public space reveals how we believe parents and children ought to move through the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

The Best Books of 2022

The New Yorker

Object Lessons is a captivating series of short books that delve into the hidden world of ordinary objects. Among the various items that expectant parents are advised to purchase, a stroller stands out as a prominent symbol of status and parenting philosophy. While the association of strollers with wealth can be traced back to the invention of the first pram in the 1700s, in recent decades, four-figure strollers have evolved into more than just status symbols; they have become cultural identifiers.

The market offers a diverse range of strollers to cater to different needs and preferences. There are sleek jogging strollers designed for serious athletes, impossibly compact strollers for parents who aspire to travel internationally with pre-ambulatory children, and even strollers featuring a ride-on kick board or a second, less "babyish" seat, intended to accommodate older siblings. Despite the vast array of models available, a common image persists: a harried mother struggling to navigate a stroller in a public space that fails to provide adequate accommodations.

In the realm of parenting, there exist anti-stroller evangelists, passionately preaching the gospel of baby wearing and attachment parenting. These attitudes, while seemingly focused on an object, inadvertently reveal profound beliefs about how parents and children should navigate the world.

Object Lessons is a remarkable series that explores the multifaceted roles that ordinary objects play in our lives. Through beautifully designed illustrations and insightful essays, it invites readers to contemplate the hidden stories behind the things we use every day. This partnership with The Atlantic's essay series adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the exploration, making Object Lessons a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, design, and parenting.

Dimension: 165 x 121 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501386664