No. 80
In a moment of despair, I conceive of the book as the paper equivalent of a Claude glass, a tool employed by amateur painters in the 18th century. This black mirror, held up to a landscape, reflected back what was then considered a more picturesque view, simplifying the landscape and freeing the less-skilled painter to concentrate on form and perspective.
In order to use the mirror, the painter was required to stand with his back to the object he wished to see.
