Petroski, Henry
The Evolution Of Useful Things
ISBN: 0679412263
Book Number: 47678
Knopf 1992 8vo hardcover 288pp index, b/w illus. very good / very good d/w. For armchair inventors or those who are curious about the way things work, this book offers hours of delight. Petroski (engineering, Duke Univ.) provides an intricate look, in lay reader's terms, at the technology and basic rationale behind a number of items we often take for granted. The list is comprehensive: kitchen utensils, zippers, tools, paper clips, fast-food packaging, and more. The text is far from a recital of mere facts. Petroski's anecdotes and stories about individual designers and inventors are told with warm regard. Petroski also provides illuminating thoughts on the theoretical, historical, and cultural frameworks that influenced these creations. Although this book will appeal to a somewhat specialized audience, many general readers will find it fascinating and educational. For circulating libraries.n- Carol J. Binkowski, Bloomfield, N.J.nCopyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Keywords: The Evolution Of Useful Things Petroski Henry
Price: $18.00