Wonderworks: Literary invention and the science of stories

Wonderworks by Malcolm Gladwell explores how literature is one of the most powerful technologies invented by humans, providing us with what our brains desire and need. It demonstrates that the writers we revere made unique technical breakthroughs that address problems we could not solve, such as how to live and love, maintain courage, and account for our existence. The book uses cutting-edge neuroscience to show that these inventions enrich our lives with joy, hope, courage, and energy and help our brains heal from grief, loneliness, and trauma. It walks us through the evolution of literature's blueprints and offers a new understanding of its power.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2022
Publisher: Swift Press

Wonderworks, a book by Malcolm Gladwell, explores the profound impact of literature on human life. According to Gladwell, literature is one of the most powerful technologies ever created, finely tuned to fulfill our deepest desires and needs. It is a unique form of technology, similar to other inventions, and the writers we admire, from Homer to Shakespeare, Austen to Ferrante, have made significant contributions that can be seen as both narrative advancements and neuroscientific breakthroughs. However, literature's greatest innovation lies in its ability to address problems that were previously unsolvable. It goes beyond the practical aspects of survival, such as starting a fire or building a boat, and delves into the complexities of human existence, such as love, courage, death, and the very essence of our existence.

The book, based on extensive research by Angus Fletcher, traces the history of the greatest literary inventions across different civilizations, from ancient Mesopotamia to modern-day America. It employs cutting-edge neuroscience to demonstrate the practical benefits of these inventions. By reading literature, we can experience joy, hope, courage, and energy, and our brains can heal from grief, loneliness, and trauma.

Wonderworks takes us on a journey through the evolution of literature's blueprints, from ancient Chinese lyrics to nursery rhymes, fairy tales, slave narratives, and contemporary TV shows. It offers a fresh perspective on the power of literature, highlighting its ability to shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through this exploration, Wonderworks encourages us to appreciate the value of literature in our lives and to recognize its potential to improve our well-being and enrich our intellectual and emotional experiences.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800750234