How Nearly Everything Was Invented Author:Roger Bridgman This fascinating book takes a light-hearted look at some of the world's most important inventions, exploring the people who invented them, how they work, what came before and what followed after. Illustrated with hilarious artwork that teems with tiny people, the emphasis is on the consequences of invention, and how one idea leads to another and... more » another and another sometimes culminating in a mighty upheaval that changes our lives. A key feature is the six double gatefolds, each of which focuses on a major brainwave - the lens, steam engine, light bulb, internal combustion engine, transistor and gunpowder - exploring how it inspired the development of numerous other innovations. The book also considers the wider consequences of inventions, and how some, such as the steam engine, have an enormous impact on society, causing a revolution in the way we live. In addition, there are special features on the people behind the brainwaves, bizarre inventions, fascinating firsts (such as the invention of the zip), classic failures, and what the future holds in store. A timeline places the inventions in historical context, and the book concludes with a glossary and index.« less