What was the paddle-shaped board used as a first book?

The paddle-shaped board you're likely thinking of is called a "paddle" or "tablet". It was not used as a "first book" in the literal sense, as it was simply a writing surface. However, it played a crucial role in the development of early writing systems.

Here's a breakdown:

* Ancient Mesopotamia: The Sumerians used clay tablets as their primary writing surface around 3500 BCE. These tablets were often paddle-shaped and were used for writing cuneiform script, which consisted of wedge-shaped marks pressed into the wet clay.

* Ancient Egypt: The Egyptians used papyrus scrolls for writing, but ostraca (pottery shards) were also used as writing surfaces, especially for informal notes and messages.

* Ancient Greece and Rome: While these civilizations used papyrus and vellum for more formal writing, wax tablets (a paddle-shaped board with a layer of wax for writing) were used for scratch notes and personal correspondence.

Therefore, the "paddle-shaped board" was not a book itself, but a writing tool that played a vital role in the history of writing and paved the way for the development of books.