Wonderland

How Play Made the Modern World

By: Steven Johnson

Narrated by: George Newbern

From the New York Times best-selling author of How We Got to Now and Extra Life, a look at the world-changing innovations we made while keeping ourselves entertained.

This history of popular entertainment takes a long-zoom approach, contending that the pursuit of novelty and wonder is a powerful driver of world-shaping technological change. Steven Johnson argues that, throughout history, the cutting edge of innovation lies wherever people are working the hardest to keep themselves and others amused.

Johnson’s storytelling is just as delightful as the inventions he describes, full of surprising stops along the journey from simple concepts to complex modern systems. He introduces us to the colorful innovators of leisure: The explorers, proprietors, showmen, and artists who changed the trajectory of history with their luxurious wares, exotic meals, taverns, gambling tables, and magic shows.

In Wonderland, Johnson compellingly argues that observers of technological and social trends should be looking for clues in novel amusements. You’ll find the future wherever people are having the most fun.

©2016 Steven Johnson (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A house of wonders itself...Wonderland inspires grins and well-what-d'ya-knows” (The New York Times Book Review)

How play influenced the future of our world.

Some of these reflections are familiar to us, some are surprising. The sum-total of them all is the changes to the world that things invented for play/pleasure have led us to marvelous connections to surprising further uses. Ah ha moments abound.

very interesting perspective

it has a very interesting perspective and I actually learned quite a bit. I highly recommend this book.

It will delight you

Just as the topic of this book, this book will delight you as it did me in it's novelty. Worth the listen for the very serious who study the history of innovation. Like myself I'm sure it will cause you to look at play differently.

Great telling about subtle human motivation

a great documenting humankind's not so recognized motivators in innovation: play and the joy of having fun

interesting

if you enjoyed Johnsons' previous works on creativity then you'll enjoy this work's exploration of play. While the subjects are varied, I enjoy Johnsons' writing style which never drags or drolls on but leads you to some new and enlightened idea. Whether in print or digital audio I found this to be a pleasurable read.

Bill Maher should read this book

Another romp through time discovering history's forgotten links with Steven Johnson? Yes, please! Very fun!

Press play

Hearing about how play shaped the world is itself very entertaining. So many important developments arose from our desire to play.

The fun side of innovation

Entertaining and informative history of the impact that our desire for fun has had on innovations. Some familiar stories and some unexpected ones, but all are enjoyable and accessible to broad audiences.

Great read, great perspective of how & why we got to where we are.

A great perspective on the drivers in the evolution of the human race since mankind progressed beyond survival. I particularly enjoyed the analysis of the computer, and its development. As a physicist and mathematician, I particularly appreciated the acknowledgement of some of the real pioneers in the field.

Worth a listen!

Great perspective on the evolution of modern society. Learned a of novel things!
If you liked the author's other works, you'll enjoy this as well...