Customer Reviews

The Way Things Work: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Technology

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One of a kind book that still has not been duplicated.

The use of 2-color drawings only forces a precision and clarity of communication that tends to get lost in the hype of our multimedia world. Perhaps the Germanic minimalism in the Bauhaus tradition.

I still refer to it even though most of the "state of the art" in this book was mid-1960s. This book fills in alot of the "technology infrastructure" and supply chain networks that are essential to end products people actually see.

I would love to see this book brought back to print with new updated information. Keep exactly the same style: left page of text, right page of 2-color diagrams, one thought per page pair. The format is thoroughly modern in the sense that the content is perfectly suited to internet-centered presentation. You can enter the book at any page and pick up a self-contained piece of knowledge. Very web-like.

A classic!

My Father bought this book new and, as a boy, I spent hours poring over the process diagrams, reading the text and connecting one with the other, the wheels turning in my mind, gradually unlocking the mysteries of technology. I found that having one process explained often spurred curiosity in another up- or down-stream process that was, in turn, explained in the book. Thus, a caveat: DO NOT pick up this book intending to "just take a quick look at something". That isn't going to happen; at least not until you know enough to have written it yourself.

Whether you are a working professional or student seeking an overview, a technically-minded child or adult broadening your knowledge, or simply a curious but casual reader, this book is highly recommended. Much of it remains valid, despite it's age.

The Way Things Work is an illustrated volume that is essential for a well-stocked reference library. From the juke box to the diesel engine, the easy-to-understand descriptions and drawings explain to everyone exactly how and why things work the way they do. Hundreds of items are included allowing quick checks of whatever subject happens to come up at home or the office.

My father had this set of books and any time I had a question he would direct me to them. Now I have my own set and can look up any question I may have!!

This book, along with Volume 2, provides a clearly understandable explanation of industrial processes that pre-digital 20th century western civilization depended upon. Every entry carries a modestly detailed text explaining the process and at least one full page of step-by-step graphical illustrations. If we ever needed to rebuild society, this would be a starting point reference book. Also, if you're a high school student in need of an understanding of Industry-Commerce-Law, then time spent with the two volumes of the set will be well invested. Impress your guidance counselor and college interviewers along the way!

These were my favorite books when I was about ten years old. I read them and reread them until "I knew" how all those "things" worked! They are worn and a little dirty now but I still cherish them. Sadly they are showing their age: the focus of the text and the drawing slowly diverges from what is now relevant. Nevertheless, their crisp industrial focus still shines through, and still gives these books their beauty.