Planting a Forest Grows a Book

The Future Library - Slow Art

In 100 years the unseen writings of 100 authors will be divulged and printed on paper made from trees grown up from saplings planted 2 years ago. Tangible book lovers rejoice. This will be non-kindle kindling. However you will not heft their portent nor turn their "leaves." But perhaps your grandchildren will. 

For artist Katie Paterson, books remain inextricably bound with the earth and the paper they’re printed on. This relationship inspired her project “Future Library,” in which she’s commissioning authors to help write 100 works to be kept in the trust for 100 years. They will be published in a limited-edition anthology in 2114, on paper made from 1,000 Norwegian spruce trees planted near Oslo last year...more
 

Artist Katie Paterson's projects include collaborations with astronauts and architects

"Contributing and belonging
to a narrative arc
longer than your own lifespan
is good for your soul.” 
- David Mitchell  

Margaret Atwood and Katie Paterson

David Mitchell, author of "Cloud Atlas" and  Margaret Atwood, "The Handmaid's Tale"
are the first 2 authors to contribute

“... for those of us wrestling with what the philosopher Matthew Crawford labels “a crisis of attention,” the question seems to be: How can we adopt this attitude now, in everyday life? When we struggle to look up from our smartphones, how can we look beyond the present moment and think broadly and generously across time?"
- Rowland Manthorpe