The Mammoth Book of Great Inventions

Complete illustrated history of the inventions and inventors that have shaped civilisation

Featuring over 600 colour photos with the full range of discoveries and technological advances from across the ages, this is the ultimate reference guide and source of inspiration for would-be inventors of all kinds, young and old. Inventions covered extend from early Persian ice cream to the more recent microchip and the latest advances in animal cloning. James Dyson's personal insights into the process of invention appear throughout.

Discover how: Women's corsets led to the invention of the modern umbrella The hovercraft emerged from an empty cat-food tin How the Internet really came about. This lavishly illustrated new mass-market edition of a bestselling title is packed with 600-plus archival illustrations and photographs. A must for every would-be inventor and a fund of fascinating facts for all ages