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Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology [Paperback]

Eric Drexler
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)

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Book Description

September 16, 1987
This brilliant work heralds the new age of nanotechnology, which will give us thorough and inexpensive control of the structure of matter.  Drexler examines the enormous implications of these developments for medicine, the economy, and the environment, and makes astounding yet well-founded projections for the future.

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Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology + Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea + Understanding Nanotechnology (Science Made Accessible)
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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Nanotechnology, or molecular technology, involves the manipulation of individual atoms and molecules, something the human body already does.In Engines of Creation , Drexler attempts to predict, justify, quantify, and caution us about this important new field in engineering. His book could have been the first and foremost discussion of this fascinating subject. But Drexler strays from the topic with annoying regularity. He devotes too little space to the possibilities of nanotechnology and too much to esoteric and opinionated discussions of philosophy, politics, information science, defense, human relations, etc. Nanotechnology will indeed become a reality, and the public needs to be informed. It is therefore unfortunate that Engines of Creation was not written more clearly or directly. Kurt O. Baumgartner, International Minerals & Chemical Corp., Terre Haute, Ind.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

This brilliant work heralds the new age of nanotechnology, which will give us thorough and inexpensive control of the structure of matter. Drexler examines the enormous implications of these developments for medicine, the economy, and the environment, and makes astounding yet well-founded projections for the future.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Anchor (September 16, 1987)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0385199732
  • ISBN-13: 978-0385199735
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
44 of 48 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Engineer of Innovation December 29, 1999
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you were to ask the world's greatest authorities on modern technology to select the five most influential books written thus far on that subject, Engines of Creation would probably be on most (if not all) lists. In it, Drexler analyzes "the coming era of nanotechnology." Obviously, that era has (since 1986) arrived. Nonetheless, Drexler's observations remain both valid and instructive. The book is organized as Part One: The Foundations of Foresight, Part Two: Profiles of the Possible, and Part Three: Dangers and Hopes. In certain respects, Engines of Creation is even more valuable today than it was when first published. It should be required reading for undergraduate and graduate students (especially those at work on a degree in engineering, the natural sciences, mathematics, or business) as well as for executives in organizations which hope to survive the "age of nanotechnology." Think of your organization as a vehicle. Viewed as such, it obviously needs an engine, fuel, a transmission, a brake, an accelerator, etc. Speed is only one component of the formula for success. Durability is another. For your organization to reach its destination, it must also have a map. Engines of Creation is about technology, of course, and it is also about innovation in an age when speed is often the difference between success and failure. But Drexler also provides the equivalent of a map to guide his reader. Misdirected speed can demolish an entire organization as well as a single vehicle....and those within it. Years from now, Engines of Creation will still be read and admired. Why? Because it will still be relevant.
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding November 20, 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
"Engines of Creation" is one the most thoroughly enjoyable books I have ever read. It is well constructed and well thought out, expanding on every topic from memes to early Internet to the future application of molecular manufacturing. This book really jumped onto the scene when it was first published because of the astounding proposals made. But rather than being just another science fiction book, I think it well grounded in sound engineering and physical law. As of yet, no one has disproved it, and Mr. Drexler is certainly well-qualified to make the assertions he does. I would recommend this book as a excellent primer to anyone seeking to learn the basics of molecular nanotechnology.
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28 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Years ago, my friends and I realized that all the sciences were not really seperate fields, but linked by matter itself and the emerging laws of physics. Richard Feynman in the late '50s voiced the foundation of what Drexler further grew into a tour de force he coined 'nanotechnology'. When Drexler's 'Engines of Creation' appeared, I realized instantly that this book was the ignition point for a technological shift of such scope, that the majority of the population doesn't quite yet realize the incredible double-edged potential. The physics are there, the models are there, the amazing molecular complexity and abundance of life itself illustrates the possibilities; we only lack the tools; however, a simple search on the Net will show that they'll probably be here more quickly that we anticipate. Look at the estimates that it would take 20 years to decode DNA; recent breakthoughs will allow it to be complete by 2002. A must read for someone who wants to get their feet wet and ride the approaching wave.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars One of the worst examples of ridiculous pseudo-science in existence
I first got involved in the 1990's when I was asked to help start a journal for this new field called Nanotechnology. It sounded interesting. Then we realized that Mr. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Reluctant Badger
5.0 out of 5 stars It hasn't happened yet, but...
I read this as research for a forthcoming novel in which nano-technology plays and important part. I found it a well written and easy to understand examination of the possibilities... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Daniel Hill
5.0 out of 5 stars Not Dated
Even though this was pretty much the first book on the subject of Nanotechnology, it's not dated at all. Dr. Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. Pylman
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
Delivered fast. Excellent condition and interesting book on the "future" of a form of science. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Skii
2.0 out of 5 stars It is dated and overly optimisic and simplistic
I did not like the book because I think that Mr. Drexler is a member of the 'grey goo' school of thought and as such is not giving proper consideration to thermodynamics. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Pan Gname
5.0 out of 5 stars The seminal book
This (To my knowledge)is the first book on the subject and written by the person who created the term.Still worth reading after two decades.
Published 17 months ago by Kirk Alan Edwards
2.0 out of 5 stars Still wating for the Nanotech Apocalypse
Drexler started to publicize his ideas about nanotechnology in 1981, literally 30 years ago as of our mysterious, far-future year 2011. Read more
Published on January 22, 2011 by M. A. Plus
3.0 out of 5 stars Welcome to "Logan's Run"
Eric 'Kim' Drexler(he doesn't like being called Kim; thinks its sissy) spends about two chapters explaining his idea - the first and fourth. Read more
Published on October 13, 2010 by flashgordon
5.0 out of 5 stars Legendary. Maybe impossible.
I read several books on nanotechnology that were both more recent and more technically realistic, but this book wowed me with both breadth and depth of vision. Read more
Published on June 29, 2010 by Marshall Vaughan
5.0 out of 5 stars best book I have ever read
This book was great and has changed my life. It has changed how I think and helped to make me more optimistic about our future.
Published on April 13, 2010 by D. Kowalski
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