Power from Steam: A History of the Stationary Steam Engine [Paperback]

Richard L. Hills (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052145834X | ISBN-13: 978-0521458344 | Publication Date: August 27, 1993

This is the first comprehensive history of the steam engine in fifty years. It follows the development of reciprocating steam engines, from their earliest forms to the beginning of the twentieth century when they were replaced by steam turbines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Not only does the book draw upon Hills's practical experience with working machines; it also shows the hand of the erudite scholar, drawing upon the records of such diverse institutions as the British Museum and the Smithsonian Institution....Profusely illustrated and full of detailed technical as well as historical, social, and economic information, this book will delight amateur and scholar alike." Choice

"To the general historian wishing to understand the technical mind, it would be difficult indeed to recommend a book that better reveals the genius of homo faber in the machine age." Cecil O. Smith, Jr., American Historical Review

"...will appeal to those interested in the history of technology. They may enjoy the nostalgic feeling evoked by the mementos of past centuries, as well as appreciate the scholarly documentation presented. It should be interesting reading for the members of the technical research community who have to plan and execute new product development for future generations." John Tuzson, Applied Mechanical Review

"...a graceful, knowledgeable, and welcome addition to the large literature on steam." Carroll Pursell, ISIS

Book Description

This comprehensive history of the steam engine follows the development of reciprocating steam engines, from their earliest forms until the beginning of the twentieth century, when they were replaced by steam turbines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 356 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (August 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052145834X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521458344
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,764 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Power of Steam (Richard Hills), October 19, 1997

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[e-mail] (Nr Norwich, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Power from Steam: A History of the Stationary Steam Engine (Paperback)

One of the few relatively recent works in the field of stationary steam engines. In addition to his work at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry which has resulted in this becoming a 'World Class' Museum Richard Hills has found time to contribute a major written work, the meticulous way in which he has researched this book is impressive, while detailed enough to be of interest to the 'expert' (and including an extremely substantial and authoritative bibliography) he has presented what might be considered a fairly 'dry' subject in such a way that the non enthusiast can both learn and enjoy. Photographs and drawing of now lost examples make this a valuable volume for anyone interested in the development of steam power from it's early beginnings as an interesting phenomena for the inquiring mind, through to its essential part of todays world, providing power everywhere. One of very few modern books on the subject (which tend to be re-hashes of recognisable older works) it is very difficult to fault and a must for anyone with an interest in steam or industrial history