There Exists an X, X is a Sandwich

by Joel K. Jensen, Ginny Maki (Illustrator)

Can anything be so common as a sandwich? Two slices of bread and a filling. Everyone knows a sandwich when they see one. But what of the quesadilla, the pizza slice, a hot dog, a birthday cake? Are these sandwiches, too? Using the methodology of deductive logic, with charming illustrations provided by Ginny Maki, Jensen looks at the sandwich as object of art, existential interlocutor, and source of unexpected meaning. There Exists an X formally delineates our everyday experience of sandwiches. In doing so, Jensen poses a fundamentally philosophical question about definitions and logic. Everyone thinks they know what a sandwich is but we do not generally talk about it. Here is someone who really does want to talk about sandwiches?not generally but in specific detail. And in doing so Jensen provides an entertaining way of viewing the logic and mathematical quality of human experience. What do we see in the gas station crackers? Something familiar? Something illustrative? Something meaningful?

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

102 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most people, I haven't thought much about a sandwich past what I wanted on it, but like a hardy piece of meat, this book added another layer to it. Now it makes me wonder what places have been ripping me off with their faux-sandwiches. You know who you are. This book is packed with all sorts of logical proofs, interesting asides and philosophical inquiries, just like great sandwich. And don't forget the fantastic illustrations, which add that extra touch, like the perfect condiment.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect exploration of what it means to be a sandwich. It covers the sandwich origin story, absurdities created by certain sandwich criteria, and is extremely logical in its definition of what it means to be a sandwich. Great little contemplation on the humble sandwich.