16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dry but useful as a reference, February 15, 2001
This review is from: A History of Engineering in Classical and Medieval Times (Paperback)
This is a rather dry accounting of some of the key technological accomplishments in the given era. Although the title says "history," the book is organized by subject rather than chronology. Part One focuses on civil engineering: irrigation, dams, bridges, surveying, etc. Part Two deals with mechanical engineering: water-raising devices, mills, etc. And Part Three looks at "fine technology:" instruments, automata, and particularly clocks.
I think it's almost better as a reference book for that reason. I found L. Sprague de Camp's Ancient Engineers (a source for this book) and Frances and Joe Gies' Cathedral, Forge, and Waterwheel more interesting and more readable. So I think I'd recommend this more for reference or for someone who's intensely interested in the subject.
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