Title
The Perpetual Motion Machine: The Story of an Invention (Imagining Science),Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
In the last days of 1907, the German novelist and exponent of glass architecture Paul Scheerbart embarked upon an attempt to invent a perpetual motion machine. For the next two and a half years he would document his ongoing efforts (and failures) from his laundryroomcumlaboratory, hiring plumbers and mechanics to construct his models while spinning out a series of imagined futures that his inventioninthemaking was going to enable. The Perpetual Motion Machine: The Story of an Invention, originally published in German in 1910, is an indefinable blend of diary, diagrams and digression that falls somewhere between memoir and reverie: a document of what poet and translator Andrew Joron calls a 'twoandahalfyearlong tantrum of the imagination.' Shifting ambiguously from irony to enthusiasm and back, Scheerbart's unique amalgamation of visionary humor and optimistic failure ultimately proves to be a more literary invention than scientific: a perpetual motion of a fevered imagination that reads as if Robert Walser had tried his hand at science fiction. With 'toiling wheels' inextricably embedded in his head, Scheerbart's visions of rising globalization, ecological devastation, militaristic weapons of mass destruction and the possible end of literature soon lead him to dread success more than failure. The Perpetual Motion Machine is an ode to the fertility of misery and a battle cry of the imagination against praxis.
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Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine'? A: The main theme of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' revolves around the exploration of imagination and invention, as Paul Scheerbart documents his attempts to create a perpetual motion machine while reflecting on broader societal issues.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine'? A: The author of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' is Paul Scheerbart, a German novelist known for his work in glass architecture and imaginative literature.
- Q: What type of book is 'The Perpetual Motion Machine'? A: 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' is a unique blend of diary, diagrams, and literary reflection, making it a mix of memoir and speculative fiction.
- Q: When was 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' published? A: 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' was originally published in German in 1910 and was translated into English and published on May 31, 2011.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' have? A: 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' contains 112 pages.
- Q: Is there any specific material used in the book's production? A: There is no specific material information provided for the production of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine'.
- Q: What edition of the book is available? A: The available edition of 'The Perpetual Motion Machine' is a translation.
- Q: What kind of readers would enjoy this book? A: Readers interested in speculative fiction, literary inventions, and reflections on creativity and failure would likely enjoy 'The Perpetual Motion Machine'.
- Q: Does the book discuss any historical or cultural contexts? A: Yes, the book discusses historical and cultural contexts related to early 20th-century issues such as globalization, ecological concerns, and the implications of technological advancements.