A sweeping; richly detailed history that tells the fascinating story of how papermdash;the simple Chinese invention of two thousand years agomdash;wrapped itself around our world; humankindrsquo;s most momentous ideas imprinted on its surface. The emergence of paper in the imperial court of Han China brought about a revolution in the transmission of knowledge and ideas; allowing religions; philosophies and propaganda to spread with ever greater ease. The first writing surface sufficiently cheap; portable and printable for books; pamphlets and journals to be mass-produced and distributed widely; paper opened the way for an unprecedented; ongoing dialogue between individuals and between communities across continents; oceans and time. The Paper Trail explores how the new substance was used to solidify social and political systems that influenced China even into our own time. We see how paper made possible the spread of the then new religions of Buddhism and Manichaeism into Japan; Korea and Vietnam . . . how it enabled theologians; scientists and artists to build the vast and signally intellectual empire of the Abbasid Caliphate and embed the Koran in popular culture . . . how paper was carried along the Silk Road by merchants and missionaries; finally reaching Europe in the late thirteenth century . . . and how; once established in Europe; along with the printing press; paper played an essential role in the three great foundations of Western modernity: the Renaissance; the Reformation and the Scientific Revolution. Here is a dramatic; comprehensively researched; vividly written story populated by holy men and scholars; warriors and poets; rulers and ordinary men and womenmdash;an essential story brilliantly told in this luminous work of history.From the Hardcover edition.
2015-05-20 2015-05-20File Name: B00XYQR2W6
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful Book!By SilverQuayNot only does this book have inspired ideas; it also has attainable ideas. I live in Australia this book has opened my eyes to the possibilities that already existed around me that I took for granted and undervalued.In most other publications; the rooms I loved were not readily or easily obtained or affordable. I couldnt just "pop over to France" for their wonderful flea markets; or attend massive outdoor markets in beautiful historic towns in America (although I would dearly love to) to get many of the "one off" treasures. I actually CAN find that lamp or rug; that chair or sofa and under Thoms direction have the confidence to mix and match fabrics; texture and colour. These things all existed and at attainable prices before but my eyes have now been opened to the new ways in which to pull a room together with no excuses!Thoms writing style made me laugh out loud (my favourite being a room with a "toiletless view")but must disagree with his statement that he is "stupid and simple" (as in Keep it Simple Stupid)as he is neither.I cried when I read his dedication to his mum.A beautiful book; with beautiful rooms that I love.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. OkBy rose thymePrett nice; good style; but I think I donated this book when I moved the last time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Love this book!By S. ShieldsOMG - do I love Thom Filicia! From the first time I saw his work transforming some truely hideous bachelor pads on "Queer Eye for the Strait Guy" I have been amazed by his vision and creativity. This book does not disapoint. Clearly written with many helpful tips and fabulous pictures - it was a great read from start to finish. I read most of it one morning -sitting by the fireplace in my livingroom with a cup of tea and a deck of paint swatches. I think Thom would approve.
