The Way Things Work

From levers to lasers, from cameras to computers, this 384-page volume is a remarkable overview of the machines and inventions that shape our lives, amusingly presented with a large dose of Macaulay's wit and personality.

Amazon.com Review

David Macaulay has made it his business to demystify science and technology for children (and certainly one or two surreptitious adults) with his worldwide bestseller, The New Way Things Work. Packed with information on the inner workings of everything from the World Wide Web to windmills, the remarkable and humorous book guides readers through the fundamental principles of machines. And now Macaulay and his trusty mammoth sidekick are back, ready to make science even more fun and comprehensible. The Way Things Work Kit is a hands-on, fully interactive kit, equipped with everything needed to perform over 50 activities, including the construction of 12 working models. A handy cardboard carrying case opens to reveal a guidebook, a CD-ROM with instructions on how to build your own pinball games, activity cards, and more than 100 basic components that fit together to make models from a balloon-powered car to a robot arm to a fairground ride. Children will be absorbed for hours as they learn about levers and hydraulics, winches and friction, inertia and pneumatics. Future engineers--not to mention just regular humans--couldn't have a better introduction to the way things work. (Ages 8 and older) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 Up Gorgeous line drawings in Macaulay's familiar style, enhanced with watercolors, combine with virtually encyclopedic coverage of how things work to create this absolutely captivating look at the world's technology. Subjects are arranged into four broad categories: units on mechanical devices (simple machines, friction); the use of the elements (wind, water, heat), waves (light and sound); and electronics include both the immense (space shuttles) and the miniscule (an automobile's thermostat). Information presented is up-to-date (compact discs, breath testers), and the introductions and descriptions are well-written and clear. Whimsical woolly mammoths appear to demonstrate principles, take credit for inventions, and speculate on the causes of their own extinction. The number of devices described here defies enumeration: the thorough index, which lists items under both their own terms and under larger, broad headings (e.g., the term synchromesh is also found under car), contains approximately 900 entries. The two-volume The Way Things Work: Encyclopedia of Modern Technology (S. & S.) offers a competitive number of items in a more straightforward fashion, but it is not as entertaining as Macaulay's work. How Does It Work? (Facts on File, 1976) by Chris Cooper and Jane Insley and How Things Work (National Geographic, 1983) by Donald J. Crump both present excellent photography and diagrams with utilitarian text, but neither covers anywhere near as many devices or competes with Macaulay's creativity. A book to be treasured as both a browsing item and as a gold mine of reference information. Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library

Product details

Hardcover: 384 pages

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin (January 1, 1988)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0590429892

ISBN-13: 978-0590429894

Package Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 1.6 inches