Object Lessons is a series of short, beautifully designed books about the hidden lives of ordinary things.

As a former world-ranked swimmer whose journey toward naturalization and U.S. citizenship began with a swimming fellowship, Piotr Florczyk reflects on his own adventures in swimming pools while taking a closer look at artists, architects, writers, and others who have helped to cement the swimming pool’s prominent and iconic role in our society and culture.

Swimming Pool explores the pool as a place where humans seek to attain the unique union between mind and body.

Object Lessons is published in partnership with an essay series in The Atlantic.