Synopsis
An award-winning inventor presents a fascinating scientific history that traces the greatest inventions, from the canoe and the wheel to language, maps, currency, and law, following human technological advances through each age and exploring the motives and circumstances behind these inventions.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Reviews
Fertile is the field of books about inventions. The very fecundity of works about human ingenuity begs for a less-detailed volume that is more comprehensive in scope, a role Dyson's satisfyingly fills. In an arrangement partly encyclopedic and partly chronological, Dyson and his two dozen contributors divide all inventions into six periods; the breaks between periods are determined by when a technological era attained its acme, such as refinement of the steam engine by the 1830s. A continuity across the periods is the authors' recognition that some needs are timeless, such as the imperative to contain and transport fire; Dyson's piece about the friction match, invented in 1826, pays homage to a technical lineage that stretches back to our hominid ancestors more than a million years ago. Crammed with numerous illustrations, Dyson's exuberant work is perfect public-library material--sure to snare browsing technophiles. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for A History of Great Inventions
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Missing dust jacket; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0786709030I4N01
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0786709030I4N10
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Published by
Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2001
ISBN 10: 0786709030
ISBN 13: 9780786709038
Used
Hardcover
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. Good condition ex-library book with usual library markings and stickers. Seller Inventory # 00104134255
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Seller: HPB Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
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_471422805
Seller Image
A History of Great Inventions
Seller: -OnTimeBooks-, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Gently read. May have name of previous ownership, or ex-library edition. Binding tight; spine straight and smooth, with no creasing; covers clean and crisp. Minimal signs of handling or shelving. 100% GUARANTEE! Shipped with delivery confirmation, if you're not satisfied with purchase please return item! Ships USPS Media Mail. Seller Inventory # OTV.0786709030.VG
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Published by
Carroll & Graf Publishers, Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2001
ISBN 10: 0786709030
ISBN 13: 9780786709038
Used
Hardcover
Seller: Cloud Runner Books, Minneapolis, MN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Present. A History of Great Inventions by James Dyson. Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2001. 188pp. Language: English. Note: Includes dustjacket. Note: Jacket clipped, and has some wear along bottom edge. Otherwise fine. Seller Inventory # 00026738
Stock Image
A History of Great Inventions
Seller: GoldBooks, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # 63E67_43_0786709030