Engineering: An Illustrated History from Ancient Craft to Modern Technology (100 Ponderables): An Illustrated History from Ancient Craft to Modern Technology (Ponderables)

Given as gift, so no feedback yet

Sorry to say: it's dull.

Engineering has had a very long history, extending back to the first tools produced by our remote, human-like ancestors. This book, written in a scholarly and engaging way, focuses on 100 important milestones in this history, and, overall, provides some excellent information about engineering and modern technology, without getting overly oriented toward scientific and technical jargon. At the present time, it is the only such book of which I am aware that gives such a knowledgeable, and helpful perspective on engineering for the nonspecialist. While of little use for the innovators and world shakers who move this field, some of whom are merely brilliant entrepreneurs like Edison or Musk, and not actually professional engineers, the book is of considerable interest for anyone wishing to educate themselves a little concerning what the human race is "all about": This is it (technology, innovation, and progress). All the rest (science, math, politics, art, literature, economics and business, social concerns, religion, etc.) either support this amazing drive forward into an unknown and unfathomable future, characteristic of our nature and our kind, or is just noise and distractions and the juvenile games of our race. Engineering holds the key to much about us, to the meaning of our lives, and to our nature. It is a pity that there is so little available like this book to open the doors for those of us who are not engineers, inventors or entrepreneurs. I very highly recommend this book to the general reader.

Love this book

In this book "Engineering: An Illustrated History from Ancient Craft to Modern Technology (100 Ponderables)" edited by Tom Jackson, on page 2, has "Taming Fire," which is certainly one of the biggest "engineering" events in the history of mankind. This book also has a pull-out "cheat" sheet in back pocket of the book, which is impressive.All of the "Ponderables 100 Achievements That Changed History" are very impressive.In "The Engineering Book," by Marshall Brain, fire is not even mentioned, but this is still a good book.

Bought this for my ten year old grandson who says he wants to be an engineer. My idea was to give him an idea of some of the interesting things engineers have done over the years. I liked that the articles were well illustrated and short, separate readings. I thought he would read it over time...Much to my surprise he devoured the book Christmas day!!

My used books are cleaner then one I received.