Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels (Ancient Technology) [Hardcover]

Michael Woods (Author), Mary B. Woods (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1999 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Ancient Technology

Discusses the invention of six simple machines in various ancient civilizations from the Stone Age to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-These titles will be appreciated by both report writers and leisure readers. Both books approach their subject by culture and/or period, covering the Stone Age, Middle East, Egypt, China, Greece, and Rome. In the first, Woods discusses the invention and use of six simple machines, establishing a connection between ancient and current technology. Full-color photographs and drawings depict artifacts, sites, and some different mechanisms. The second book traces the development of methods of transportation and conveys the technological sophistication of ancient peoples. The text, which is livelier than that in Machines, features fascinating descriptions of the process of inventing with conjectures on what an early human might have observed and adapted. Some of the ingenious conveyances described will amaze readers. The authors allude to the migration of technologies across cultures, including the suggestion that the wheel was only invented once. Crisp, vibrant photographs of artifacts add to the strong visual appeal. Both volumes incorporate a few contemporary quotes and provide background information through sidebars. The writing and illustrations give these books an edge over the "Science of the Past" series (Watts), which covers the same ground for a slightly younger audience.-Colleen M. Zeitz, Lincoln School, Providence, RI

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Runestone Press (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822529947
• ISBN-13: 978-0822529941
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,455,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Engineering

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative & Neatly Done., October 9, 2007

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This review is from: Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels (Ancient Technology) (Hardcover)

This book covers the stunning engineering feats of the ancient world in true detail. This is written for kids ages 8-12. This is a beautiful book 7.5 x 9 inches. Hardbound, & sturdy, with some 88 lavish glossy pages & enough maps, photographs, & reproductions of period art. The clear diagrams help for illustrating the machines that are so well described. The book starts with 6 machines: the wheel & axle, inclined plane, lever, pulley, wedge, & screw.

The first chapter treats the Stone Age & shows ways in which early humans may have used the benefits behind the levers & wedges. Many readers may be surprised to learn that bows were associated with fire & drilling before arrows? Various ancient cultures are surveyed regarding the developments they made in machine technology. Example: the wheel & axle revolutionized transportation & then gave birth to spinning thread, lathes, & pulleys in Mesopatamia.

The reader will learn about the Chinese combining the wheel, lever, & axle to create the first wheel barrel. How the Roman engineer Quintus Candidius Benignus built the factory at Barbegal that could grind over 9,000 pounds of flour per day, more than enough to feed the 12,000 citizens of Arles. The text is followed by a brief glossary, bibliography, & index.

The authors style is clear & consise,. he does not patronize the lay reader which is clearly great for kids so they don't get turned off with technical terms. Many concepts in anthropology & history are also included. An example, the mystery of why the ancients did not take full advantage of their mechanical aptitudes is examined in the context of social factors like slavery & war.

3 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for kids., November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels (Ancient Technology) (Hardcover)

This is a perfect and fascinating book for children and their parents too. My grandchildren will be getting this for Christmas.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient machines, October 7, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Ancient Machines: From Wedges to Waterwheels (Ancient Technology) (Hardcover)

THIS BOOK IS AWSOME

I loved it. Mary and Michal Woods did a bomb job. I loved learning about ancient machines. How the pully,wedge,lever came from as late as the stone age. Ancient people are not as primitave as I thoght.