Papyrus by Irene Vallejo

Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo explores the fascinating history of written communication, tracing the evolution of books from oral tradition to scrolls and codices.

Insights for Change Makers: 

"Papyrus" illuminates the enduring importance of books as vehicles for civilization, highlighting their role in shaping Western culture and reminding us of their timeless value in an ever-changing world.

Reviews and Criticisms:

It promises a journey through the history of book production, but readers may find themselves navigating a meandering exploration of various book-related topics, loosely arranged around a chronological theme. Vallejo's narrative style, while accessible, may come across as bland and generic, lacking the captivating allure expected from a book about the history of books. The book is structured as a series of mini-essays that touch upon different aspects of book production and the role of literature in civilization. While Vallejo covers familiar ground, such as ancient authors and European history, her reflections on the value of books may feel unoriginal to readers already familiar with the subject matter. However, Vallejo's prose has a certain style that makes it readable, albeit occasionally melodramatic and self-indulgent. Despite its shortcomings, Papyrus succeeds in emphasising the importance of writing and literature in shaping our understanding of the world and connecting us through the timeless art of storytelling. However, readers may find the dense narrative and frequent chronological jumps challenging to navigate.