Science/Engineering


"Petroski has an inquisitive mind, and he is a fine writer. . . . [He] takes us on a lively tour of engineers, their creations and their necessary turns of mind." --Los Angeles Times

From the Ferris wheel to the integrated circuit, feats of engineering have ch[...]

When planes crash, bridges collapse, and automobile gas tanks explode, we are quick to blame poor design. But Henry Petroski says we must look beyond design for causes and corrections. Known for his masterly explanations of engineering successes and failures, Petroski here takes his analysis a step [...]

Presents case studies of inventions by engineers, explaining how they resolve technical difficulties, and how they make their inventions socially acceptable and economically feasible[...]

Examines the process of engineering design and explains what can be learned by studying unsuccessful designs and the reasons for their failure[...]

Design pervades our lives. Everything from drafting a PowerPoint presentation to planning a state-of-the-art bridge embodies this universal human activity. But what makes a great design? In this compelling and wide-ranging look at the essence of invention, distinguished engineer and author Henry Pet[...]

Kuinka ahkeran Jorin käy, kun naapuriin tulee uusi traktori? Pekasta on mukavaa kuljettaa tavaroita, mutta sillä on myös unelma. Kaisa on aina valmis auttamaan hätään joutuneita. Jani kyyditsee mielellään ihmisiä, mutta miksi kaikilla on niin kova kiire?Muotoonleikatuissa ja iloisen värikk[...]