The Evolution of Useful Things (How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to beas They are.)
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Product Details
Author:
Henry Petroski
Format:
Paperback
Pages:
304
Publisher:
Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group (February 1, 1994)
Language:
English
ISBN-13:
9780679740391
ISBN-10:
0679740392
Weight:
8.8oz
Dimensions:
5.2" x 7.9" x 0.63"
Case Pack:
24
File:
RandomHouse-PRH_Book_Company_PRH_PRT_Onix_full_active_D20260405T164652_155746768-20260405.xml
Folder:
RandomHouse
List Price:
$17.00
As low as:
$13.09
Publisher Identifier:
P-RH
Discount Code:
A
QuickShip:
Yes
Audience:
General/trade
Country of Origin:
United States
Pub Discount:
65
Imprint:
Vintage
Overview
How did the table fork acquire a fourth tine? What advantage does the Phillips-head screw have over its single-grooved predecessor? Why does the paper clip look the way it does? What makes Scotch tape Scotch?
In this delightful book Henry, Petroski takes a microscopic look at artifacts that most of us count on but rarely contemplate, including such icons of the everyday as pins, Post-its, and fast-food "clamshell" containers. At the same time, he offers a convincing new theory of technological innovation as a response to the perceived failures of existing products—suggesting that irritation, and not necessity, is the mother of invention.
