The first book to travel the complete landscape of play, and show why it’s our only real super-power.

Extensively researched and sparking with new insights, this book will take you on an evolutionary journey from the smallest workings of the prehistoric imagination, through our development into the endlessly game-playing species we are today. Packed with full-colour illustrations, Paul Pethick’s book graphically joins the dots to show exactly how play powers creativity in all its animal and human forms, and how it solidifies into the myriad games we describe as culture. From craft to business, from dance to global politics, it unpacks the playful roots of every innovation from weaving to cyberwar. If you think play is only ‘kids’ stuff’ it’s time to think again. You’ll also discover how some of the world’s most influential creators in science and the arts really use play and its games to drive their work; and to understand why free play in our minds and bodies should be at the heart of current education if we plan on staying ahead in an AI future. 

Paperback

Pages: 350

Dimensions: 17 x 2.5 x 24 cm