[Home Page][Index of Reviews][Raggett on HTML 4][Richard Feynman: A Life in Science]

Remaking the World
by Henry Petroski

This book by Petroski differs from his previous book that I've read, Invention by Design. This book, subtitled "Adventures in Engineering", Petroski expands on various essays he wrote, mostly for the magazine American Scientist.

As such, it does not have an overall theme. But the book does concentrate on certain aspects of engineering. To be more specific, Petroski concentrates on civil engineering. But much of what he says should apply to engineering in general (it does to me, a person trained in electrical and electronic engineering).

The aspects of engineering that Petroski looks at include personalities (Carl Steinmetz, Alfred Nobel, Isambard Kingdom Brunel), structures (the Hoover Dam, Panama Canal, Petronas Towers) and general engineering thoughts ('back of the envelope' drawings, use of computer simulations in designs).

There is little overlap between essays in the book. But since the essays are very varied, there is little to connect one to another other than the general themes outlined above. And since each essay was originally self contained, Petroski does not provide as much background information on some of the technical terms he uses in the book. But then, as the book is made up of technical essays, it appears that the book is aimed not at the general audience, but rather to those who have some background in engineering who is interested in knowing the history and background to some of the people and engineering structures that surround us today.

Unless you have a technical background, you may find parts of the book difficult to follow. But as it is made up of essays, it is easy to skip an essay or two when the going gets tough and move on to those which are easier to read (the amount of technical detail varies from essay from essay).

I quite agree with what Petroski says in one essay. Engineering courses are missing the historical aspect that allows students to appreciate the history of what they are learning, especially the mistakes made by engineers in the past. As for me, I found the book fascinating and helpful in filling some of the gaps in the historical aspect of engineering. You may find it a fascinating read also.

[Home Page][Index of Reviews][Raggett on HTML 4][Richard Feynman: A Life in Science]

Remaking the World by Henry Petroski

Remaking the World
by Henry Petroski