The Shape of Difficulty : A Fan Letter to Unruly Objects
Bret L Rothstein
Sold by AHA-BUCH GmbH, Einbeck, Germany
AbeBooks Seller since August 14, 2006
New - Hardcover
Condition: New
Ships from Germany to U.S.A.
Quantity: 2 available
Add to basketSold by AHA-BUCH GmbH, Einbeck, Germany
AbeBooks Seller since August 14, 2006
Condition: New
Quantity: 2 available
Add to basketNeuware - Examines the subculture of enigmatology: mechanical puzzles, their makers, and those who aspire to solving them. Argues that the provocations and broad popularity of puzzles underscore the intellectual worth of questioning and failure--and of the pursuits of the humanities.
Seller Inventory # 9780271082424
What is it about puzzles that drives us to figure them out? In this unique and innovative book, Bret L. Rothstein explores how mechanical problems delight and frustrate us, distracting our attention from recognizably “useful” activities and directing it toward something that may be even more important.
All too often puzzles can seem like some kind of cruel test to be beaten or passed. But according to Rothstein, they really want nothing more than for us to drop what we are doing and play. In that way, they can actually enhance consciousness, as we are perhaps never more aware than when we grapple with an object that refuses to satisfy our expectations. The Shape of Difficulty is an ode to and exploration of these “unruly objects”―Rubik's cubes, geometric dissections, secret-opening boxes, string disentanglements, and so many more―that bring interpretive failure out of the shadows and allow it to take center stage in physical ways. While many puzzles may offer perceptible expressions of mathematical concepts, logical propositions, and logistical problems, this book urges readers to dwell for a while with objects that, built specifically to be misunderstood, demand that we reconsider our approaches to understanding―and, in the bargain, how we conceive of the interpretive self.
Drawing on landmark theories of play, Rothstein’s richly illustrated meditation on our fascination with objects reveals the lasting allure of puzzles while underscoring the intellectual worth of doubt, failure, and idle time.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
General Terms and Conditions and Customer Information / Privacy Policy
I. General Terms and Conditions
§ 1 Basic provisions
(1) The following terms and conditions apply to all contracts that you conclude with us as a provider (AHA-BUCH GmbH) via the Internet platforms AbeBooks and/or ZVAB. Unless otherwise agreed, the inclusion of any of your own terms and conditions used by you will be objected to
(2) A consumer within the meaning of the following regulations is any natural person who concludes...
We ship your order after we received them
for articles on hand latest 24 hours,
for articles with overnight supply latest 48 hours.
In case we need to order an article from our supplier our dispatch time depends on the reception date of the articles, but the articles will be shipped on the same day.
Our goal is to send the ordered articles in the fastest, but also most efficient and secure way to our customers.
| Order quantity | 30 to 40 business days | 7 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 74.95 | US$ 86.57 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.