We've talked a bit about literary objects in the recent past (see our post on Significant Objects), and we're especially excited to announce that The Thing, a quarterly periodical in the form of an object, will be celebrating the release of Jonathan Lethem's Issue at Printed Matter on September 15th, 5-7pm.

Jonathan's issue is entitled the "Chaldron Optical System." It relates to his upcoming novel CHRONIC CITY and consists of a glasses case, a pair of clear glasses with text on each of the arms, and a care and maintenance manual written in both English and French.

Though we won't know what it's all about until Chronic City comes out on October 13th, we love the idea that objects in stories can become objects in real life. If you're into this too, pick up a copy of Lethem's issue at Printed Matter on the 15th, and, bonus, have it signed by the author himself.

Oh, and in case you're curious, Amazon has posted the first chapter of Chronic City here.