Invention Mysteries (Invention Mysteries Series) [Paperback]

Paul Niemann (Author)

Book Description

Series: Invention Mysteries Series | Publication Date: January 1, 2004

INVENTION MYSTERIES tells the little-known stories behind well-known inventions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Invention Mysteries is a perfect blend of drama, enlightenment, and just plain fun, appealing to readers of all ages. -- Mexico (MO) Ledger

Paul’s articles are a blend of information and entertainment. -- Inventors’ Digest

Reading his columns is like listening to a good teacher, a good storyteller. He chooses interesting details and adds humor. -- Lincoln (IL) Daily News

About the Author

Creator of the Invention Mysteries syndicated newspaper column

Columnist for Inventors’ Digest magazine

Editor of THE ONLINE INVENTOR newsletter since 1998

President of MarketLaunchers.com, helping people market their new products since 1995

Adjunct professor of marketing & advertising at Quincy (IL) University

Part-time inventor

Guest speaker to schools and inventor groups.

Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Horsefeathers Publishing Company (January 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 097480410X
• ISBN-13: 978-0974804101
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,904,278 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, often humorous, December 5, 2004

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Fearless Reviews "D. Patrick Miller, Editor" (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Invention Mysteries (Invention Mysteries Series) (Paperback)

If Paul Niemann's name seems familiar to you, it's probably because you've read his syndicated column, Invention Mysteries, in your local newspaper. His book of the same name is a collection of his first 47 essays (with illustrations by Kevin Cordtz, whose drawings sometimes resemble Jack Davis' work in MAD and various EC comics), and they are terrific reading.

If you ever wanted to know about the various incarnations of the bicycle, the real creator of the World Wide Web, or if Rube Goldberg actually invented anything, then this is definitely the book for you. It features the stories behind the inventions we all know and love, like the telephone, golf, windshield wipers and bulletproof vests. There are also pieces that dispel popular rumors about various inventions (and their inventors) and ones that delve into patent law and how it came about.
This book is filled with fascinating and often humorous stories that will appeal to trivia hounds and people interested in knowing more about the world around them. After reading it you'll feel a little bit smarter and maybe even want to invent something of your own. Keep in mind, however, that Michael Jackson already has a patent on an "anti-gravity illusion" device, so you'll have to try again. -- Doug Brunell for the FEARLESS REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging anthology of little-known trivia, October 11, 2004

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invention Mysteries (Invention Mysteries Series) (Paperback)

Enhanced with black-and-white illustrations by Kevin Cordtz, Invention Mysteries: The Little-Known Stories Behind Well-Known Inventions by syndicated newspaper columnist Paul Niemann (who is also a contributing author to "Inventors' Digest" magazine) is an engaging anthology of little-known trivia concerning famous inventors and inventions. From the man who lost out on the patent to the telephone because he arrived at the patent office two hours after Alexander Graham Bell and kept better notes of his invention, to the left-handed revolutionary genius of Leonardo da Vinci, to common myths concerning inventions and inventors (including the fallacy that most patents are profitable - less than 2% are estimated to be). An enjoyable and amusing collection to browse through in one's spare time, written in an upbeat tone and snippet-by-snippet format, The Little-Known Stories Behind Well-Known Inventions is ideal for school and community libraries.

5.0 out of 5 stars INVENTION MYSTERIES -The Little-Known Stories Behin Well-kno, July 29, 2004

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luv2read "Sam" (Quincy, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invention Mysteries (Invention Mysteries Series) (Paperback)

This book is great! It is packed with a ton of interesting invention secrets. Everyone should read INVENTION MYSTERIES it is a quick read that you can pick up anywhere, anytime, and not want to put down! I got copies for friends and family!