Paraphernalia: The Curious Lives of Magical Things

"Ingenious, whimsical, imaginative and entertaining, this is a magical little book."—The Times

In this highly imaginative exploration of our relationship with everyday things, Steven Connor looks at those items which, though mundane, have a magical quality—the things which have an often surprising power to absorb, disturb, seduce, and soothe.

With chapters on everything from keys to handkerchiefs, and sweets to spectacles, Connor embarks upon a historical, philosophical, and linguistic journey to reconnect with the curious and quirky things with which we have a forgotten intimacy.

Steven Connor is professor of modern literature and theory at Birkbek College, London.