The Secret Life of Things

What if your coffee mug, your light switch, or even your shoelaces could tell a story?
The Secret Life of Things reveals the astonishing and sometimes bizarre histories behind the everyday objects we use without a second thought. From accidental inventions that changed the world to forgotten creators who shaped modern life, this book uncovers the mysteries that live in plain sight.
Each chapter takes you on a journey through time - tracing the weird origins, cultural twists, and hidden meanings embedded in common items. Discover how war, love, mistakes, and even superstition have influenced the design of the world around you.
Written in a captivating, conversational tone, this book turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. Perfect for readers who love quirky facts, hidden history, and storytelling that surprises at every turn.
Once you know the strange truths behind these familiar things, you'll never see your home or the world the same way again.
Open the pages - and uncover the stories your objects have been keeping secret all along.

Naomi Clarke writes engaging, curiosity-driven nonfiction that uncovers the overlooked stories shaping our world. Blending research, humor, and wonder, her books invite readers to see the familiar with fresh eyes and discover how the smallest things reveal humanity's biggest ideas.