Synopsis
How did the table fork acquire a fourth tine? What advantage does the Phillips-head screw have over its single-grooved predecessor? Why does the paper clip look the way it does? What makes Scotch tape Scotch?
In this delightful book Henry, Petroski takes a microscopic look at artifacts that most of us count on but rarely contemplate, including such icons of the everyday as pins, Post-its, and fast-food "clamshell" containers. At the same time, he offers a convincing new theory of technological innovation as a response to the perceived failures of existing products—suggesting that irritation, and not necessity, is the mother of invention.
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G038536489XI4N00
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. With very good dust jacket. Very Good hardcover with light shelfwear - NICE! Standard-sized. Seller Inventory # mon0000257788
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The Evolution of Useful Things
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hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_473060232
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Evolution of Useful Things, The
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Hard Cover. Condition: vg. Dust Jacket Condition: fine. 1st ptg. thus; 288 pages including bibliography & index; pp browning slightly; in fine dust jacket. Hardcover (dj). Seller Inventory # 205720