2002: A Palindrome Story in 2002 Words
2002 is a collaboratively-authored narrative palindrome, exactly 2002 words in length. 2002 was first published in a limited edition of 202 inscribed copies on New Years Day, 2002. On February 20th, 2002 (20-02-2002) 2002 was published on the Web. On November 11, 2002 (11-11-2002) 2002 was published as an illustrated book.
A palindrome is a text in which the sequence of letters and numbers is the same forwards and backwards. Spaces, punctuation, and line breaks are used freely. In 2002, the authors took the liberty of assuming an accented e (é) is the same letter as e, and that an i with an umlaut (ï) is the same as an i. Other than that it is perfect.
The palindrome was written by Nick Montfort and William Gillespie with the assistance of an Eraware computer program named Deep Speed. Design of the HTML version and the book were done by Ingrid Ankerson. Illustrations were provided by Shelley Jackson. The creators of the book have had the historically rare privilege of experiencing two palindromic years: 1991 and 2002. No generation of people has lived through two palindromic years since 1001, and none will again until 2112.
(Source: Author's description on the project site)
O readers, meet Bob. (Elapse, year! Be glass! Arc!) Bob's a gem. O, hot Bob, now one decimal, debased ullage. Pen, if Bob—saga's sage motif—set arenas. Sideman Bob: X. All eve, loner: go. Goddesses, Bob? (Arc!) No bellissima? A dank cab spans 2002's Bob.
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