Play, Curiosity & the Importance of Having Fun

The Leonard Lopate Show | Nov 14, 2016

Steven Johnson talks about his latest book, Wonderland: How Play Made the Modern World, an illustrated history of entertainment which argues that the pursuit of “novelty and wonder” drives technological change. He profiles people he calls the “innovators of leisure,” the showmen and artists who changed the world with their luxury wares, taverns, gambling tables and magic shows.

Event: Steven Johnson will be speaking and signing books at a Community Bookstore sponsored event at Berkeley Carroll (152 Sterling Place, Brooklyn) on Tuesday, November 15th at 7 p.m.  

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

YOU ARE ONLINE