Ancient Inventions
by Peter James (Author), Nick Thorpe (Author)
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Description
"We in the twentieth century tend to assume that our era has a monopoly on the inventions of clever machines, labor-saving devices, feats of engineering, and advanced technology. But as the authors of this fascinating and eye-opening book reveal, some of humankind's most important and most amazing inventions actually date back thousands of years. Written with the pure joy of discovery, Ancient Inventions is a treasure trove of the triumphs and marvels of applied science, from the stone tools show more hewn by the earliest prehistoric people to the dawn of the modern era in 1492." "Historian and archaeologist team Peter James and Nick Thorpe have pooled their expertise in amassing this compendium of human ingenuity through the ages. Together they conclusively prove that our ancestors, however long ago they lived and whatever part of the globe they occupied, were brilliant problem-solvers." "Organized thematically, Ancient Inventions covers everything from medicine to communication, from high-tech devices to city life, from military equipment to sports and leisure, from transportation to human sexuality. Brimming with odd facts and entertaining curiosities, written with zest and humor, comprehensive and fun to read, Ancient Inventions is a wonderful celebration of the endless inventiveness of the human mind."--Jacket. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Before using any of this information, check it somewhere reliable. I found some obvious mistakes, and several other very questionable claims. It also gets boring fast if you try to read through. The jumps from one culture and time to another make it hard to really get a feel for things.
There's nothing new under the sun. This book recounts the earliest beginnings of almost everything today that we think of as modern, and some will truly amaze you as to how far back they go..
It was only so-so for me. At times it was boring, and at other times it was pretty good.
Great read about inventions found in our time but originally invented in the ancient past! I gave my copy to my brother in law!
Used - Good Condition. Nameplate inside cover.
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Author Information
Peter James is a leading figure in the restoration of the world's most valued antiquities, including the historic pyramids, and has extensive experience and knowledge of construction techniques in the field of civil engineering.
This is Nick J. Thorpe. He is still trying new things.
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Statistics
- Members
- 639
- Popularity
- 45,670
- Reviews
- 5
- Rating
- (3.93)
- Languages
- English, German, Italian, Swedish
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 14
- ASINs
- 3
