Pixel

Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.

The logic of the pixel existed millennia before the technology to light it up. That logic is simple: dots arranged carefully can produce a picture. Need a clearer picture? Add more dots. Need color? Add more dots! Need the picture to move? Well, that's where things get interesting...

From ancient mosaics to smartphone screens, this book traces the long history behind the little lights we increasingly use to look at and interact with the world.

Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.