I really know nothing about this book or its author, but I'm sympathetic to the book's theme of how we have been reduced to numbers. For the record here is what can be found at the International ISBN Agency website on the definition of an ISBN:
An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. ISBNs were 10 digits in length up to the end of December 2006, but since 1 January 2007 they now always consist of 13 digits. ISBNs are calculated using a specific mathematical formula and include a check digit to validate the number.
Each ISBN consists of 5 elements with each section being separated by spaces or hyphens. Three of the five elements may be of varying length:
- Prefix element – currently this can only be either 978 or 979. It is always 3 digits in length
- Registration group element – this identifies the particular country, geographical region, or language area participating in the ISBN system. This element may be between 1 and 5 digits in length
- Registrant element - this identifies the particular publisher or imprint. This may be up to 7 digits in length
- Publication element – this identifies the particular edition and format of a specific title. This may be up to 6 digits in length
- Check digit – this is always the final single digit that mathematically validates the rest of the number. It is calculated using a Modulus 10 system with alternate weights of 1 and 3.
What is an ISBN used for?
An ISBN is essentially a product identifier used by publishers, booksellers, libraries, internet retailers and other supply chain participants for ordering, listing, sales records and stock control purposes. The ISBN identifies the registrant as well as the specific title, edition and format.
Either way this is a fun little double-sided accordion with one side comprised of abstracted colors and the other the 13 numbers that form an ISBN.Single page 3.5" (h) x 2 5/7" (w), 12 pages and fully extended at 2ft 8".
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| The back of the book and back of the label. |
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