In the book "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides, a detailed description of a neglected yet significant book is presented, highlighting its physical state and the context in which it exists. The book, marked by scrawls, stains, and debris, represents a repository of historical knowledge while simultaneously revealing the stark realities of contemporary society. Its wear and tear suggest a history of use, yet it remains a vital source of information from the past.

The presence of a chain securing the leather binding emphasizes themes of constraint and limitation in society. The chain's familiarity with terms like "thief" and "steal" underscores the prevalent issues of poverty, mistrust, and inequality, revealing how the book, although filled with every word in the English language, is still metaphorically bound by these social conditions. Thus, the book serves as a powerful symbol of both knowledge and the challenges faced in the present world.