The Error World - Hardcover

Garfield, Simon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0571235263 ISBN 13: 9780571235261

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 2008

Synopsis

When he was very young, Simon Garfield lusted after rare stamps but could not afford them. When he was older, the passion reignited with almost ruinous results. "The Error World" is an examination of obsession and desire, and the search for fulfilment. But it is also a story of wooden legs, pornography in the Finchley Road, Pele's World Cup shirt, the man who guards stamps for the Queen, and a woman who is terrified of the Post Office Tower.

About this title

Product Description:

When he was very young, Simon Garfield lusted after rare stamps, but could not afford them. When he was older, the passion reignited with almost ruinous results. His memoir begins at the door of his marriage guidance counsellor, stamp collection under his arm (he couldn't leave it in the car) and what follows is an examination of obsession and desire, as well as reflections on collecting in general and philately in particular.

Review:

PRAISE FOR "MAUVE""Garfield has surpassed himself with his new subject matter: "Mauve" elegantly relates the tale of Victorian chemist William Perkin who, in 1856, failed to make quinine from coal tar but discovered instead how to synthesize the colour purple. Fascinating stuff."--"Esquire""This engaging and airy history shows how the development of mauve, the first mass-produced artificial dye, ignited a 19th-century revolution . . . Garfield has inspired me to wear a bit of mauve this spring to honour this inventive man."--"The New York Times"

About this edition

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0571235263
• ISBN 13: 9780571235261
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256