Harold Toliver’s “Playing Scales” Challenges Anthropocentric Views of the Universe at Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

“Playing Scales: Scanning and Sizing the Universe and Everything in It” by Harold Toliver will be exhibited at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, taking place 15–19 October at Messe Frankfurt. Visitors can find the book at Hall 5.1, Stand D86, where The Maple Staple and Inks & Bindings will co-present more than 150 titles from independent authors and will be offering free copies of Toliver’s work.

The book argues that much of philosophy, even the philosophy of science, fails to account for the immense scale of the natural continuum, instead relying on anthropomorphic measures and assumptions. Toliver proposes a new framework of “keeping score”, placing the familiar (from landscapes to daily life) within the vast context of atomic matter and its history. The result is a striking perspective that highlights the gulf between human yardsticks and the light-years that define the true scale of existence.

A retired professor of English, American, and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Toliver has also taught at Johns Hopkins, UCLA, Ohio State University, and the University of Washington. Known for works such as The Past That Poets Make and Animate Illusions, he has more recently devoted his scholarship to bridging the humanities and the sciences. Playing Scales continues that mission, critiquing common cultural beliefs while situating them within the scope of natural history.

The Maple Staple, in its second year at Frankfurt and co-exhibiting with U.S.-based Inks & Bindings for the first time, will spotlight Toliver’s book alongside a diverse international lineup spanning memoir, poetry, faith, and speculative works. Visitors to the stand can also enjoy giveaways, author showcases, and a free audiobook listening corner.

“Playing Scales: Scanning and Sizing the Universe and Everything in It” will be exhibited at Hall 5.1, Stand D86 during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. Visitors are invited to stop by and claim a free copy, while global readers can access the book through Amazon and other major retailers.

About The Maple Staple:

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At The Maple Staple, books come alive beyond mere pages. It’s more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub for book enthusiasts and budding authors. Celebrating diversity, they curate books from up-and-coming independent writers, and offer a platform to underrepresented voices. With captivating events and book clubs in the heart of Toronto, they foster a vibrant literary community, igniting inspiration and transformation through the enchanting power of words.

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Bookside Press is all about creating buzz in the digital world. Buzz that’ll have each vital message be heard loud and clear. Headquartered in Canada, this hybrid publishing and advertising company aims to share the magic of its authors’ books with the world. With a dedicated team of creatives and marketing professionals, Bookside Press collaborates with clients in building better brands that stand out and reach greater heights.

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