Each of these three books presents a fascinating history of the art and design of a particular object, detailing, with hundreds of painstakingly-collected examples and informative texts, the multitude of varieties of pencils, cutlery, and bookmarks. These books will appeal to those who value both the beauty and functionality of everyday objects, simple tools that are made with astonishing precision and care. Above all these are superbly designed books, with inviting page layouts, many reproductions in actual-size, and colorful examples ranging from the preserved and untarnished to those that proudly bear their battle scars from years of use. Short texts by master compiler Marco Ferreri describing the background of each type and style are included, as well as an introductory essay that examines the evolution and historical significance of these marvels of design.