| Summary: | The article focuses on *Object Lesson: Newspaper*, a book by journalist Maggie Messitt that explores the history and significance of newspapers as physical objects in the United States and South Africa. Through 120 historical vignettes, the book traces the development of newspapers from colonial times, highlighting their roles in colonialism, racism, censorship, and resistance, while also showcasing marginalized voices and underground publications. Messitt’s unconventional narrative structure and detailed examples reveal newspapers as both instruments of power and platforms for challenging dominant narratives. The book offers a nuanced perspective on newspapers’ cultural and political impact, making it suitable for academic courses on media history and creative nonfiction.
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