What the World Needs Now: A Resource Book for Daydreamers, Frustrated Inventors, Cranks, Efficiency Experts, Utopians, Gadgeteers, Tinkerers and Just about Everybody Else [Paperback]

Steven M. Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2001

Ever wanted a chair that converts into a rowing machine? Sunglasses that serve as a wallet? A car with a sundeck so you can work on your tan on those long road trips? Well, inventor and illustrator Steven Johnson has designed these marvels and many, many more, spurred on by a truly insatiable imagination. His wacky, wonderful concepts could very well change the world-that is, if someone was ever bold enough to build them. From clothing to dining technology, home furnishings to appliances, and gardening gadgets to survival gear, WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW is a sourcebook of revolutionary designs that prove how far our techno-culture has yet to go. • Includes a three-step plan for inventing useful and useless things.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Exceptional and valuable beyond their initial reading. . . . Belongs in every home'¬?s smallest room. His sketches of fanciful inventions and improvements to existing ones are hilarious and brilliant. . . .[A] hilarious compendium of suggestions for would-be inventors.—Miami Herald"One of the funniest and most ingenious titles in the field. There is just no limit to the range of practical weirdness covered by the drawings of Steven M. Johnson . . . a collection of proposed inventions that will leave you shaking your head in wonder at their artistry and application." —Patricia Holt, San Francisco Chronicle

About the Author

STEVEN M. JOHNSON studied English, architecture, and three other disciplines before receiving his B.A. in journalistic studies, but he'¬?s still not sure what he wants to do when he grows up. For now, he dabbles in writing and cartooning from his home in Torrance, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press; Revised edition (March 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580083099
• ISBN-13: 978-1580083096
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,122,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Hoursofunandsparks, November 15, 2011

By 

Dr. R. D. B. Laime "a realist" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What the World Needs Now: A Resource Book for Daydreamers, Frustrated Inventors, Cranks, Efficiency Experts, Utopians, Gadgeteers, Tinkerers and Just about Everybody Else (Paperback)

Johnson is a great writer, so add this tome of fun, frolic and sparks to help you imagine the unimaginable. Book arrived in pristine condition(as advertised)and in record time. Great Amazon associate.

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Ten Reasons You Need "What the World Needs Now"--Now!, July 18, 2010

By 

Peter Green "Author of Dad's War with the Uni... (St. Louis, MO United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What the World Needs Now (Paperback)

#10 If you've ever lost a shoe--by the way, was it the left one or the right one?--you need to have a spare, but for which foot? See how Steven M. Johnson has solved this problem by creating the Universal Shoe, which will fit either foot.

#9 Find the solution to that annoying problem of overflowing trash, and what happens when you try to fit more in the recycling container--Steve has the perfect solution.

#8 If you're a crazed inventor whose mind can't stop thinking up new ideas, but you can't draw or write a line, you can match wits with this genius to see if you;re idea's better--then you'll be only half-crazed.

#7 Have you ever felt like napping at the office after that big lunch but couldn't get comfortable in that dumb chair they gave you? You can check out the Nod Office and demand better working conditions from the boss.

#6 If you occasionally dine alone and hate the inconvenience of trying to balance a tray or arrange the table while you surf the web, watch TV or clean up the mess afterward, you need Steve's answers for The Lonely Diner.

#5 Every hunter and fisherman needs these latest designs for camouflage and survival equipment.

#4 Cramped quarters? Not to worry. Here are the latest in multi-purpose home furnishings and space saving bathrooms.

#3 If you're a busy person on the go you cannot do without these ingenious "sitcases" "funglasses" and or maybe even the hitchikers dream: a combinations guitar-suitcase.

#2 All urban planners, travelers and city officials must have Johnson's unique and valuable suggestions for solving the urban transportation mess.

#1 And the Number One reason that you must have this book is that this concise, elegant and richly illustrated volume will allow you, through this witty creative master's vision TO SEE AND PREPARE FOR THE FUTU

Peter

5.0 out of 5 stars How does he come up with this stuff???, March 30, 2001

By 

Stephen Gnass (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: What the World Needs Now (Paperback)

Not much to read here, but your mind will have one hell of a workout! Steve must be channeling the creative gods. You'll have some of the best belly laughs you'll ever have with this funny book. And at the same time, it also creates one of the most thought provoking experiences your brain could ever have. I keep it as a coffee table book, and grab it whenever I need a brain pick-me-up. I think Steve has one of the most innovative minds of our time. If you want to give anyone a good gift, this is it.