Available for the first time in paperback, this volume includes twenty-two chapters by international experts covering the entire history of technology from humankind's earliest use of stone tools to the exploration of space. Written clearly and without unnecessary jargon, each chapter traces the development of its subject from earliest times to the present day, stressing the social context and its place in scientific thought.
* Usefully drawn with over 150 tables, drawings and photographs
* Two comprehensive indexes of names and subjects
* Essential reading for teachers and students in the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology, Industrial History and Archaeology.

About the Author

Ian McNeil is Rolt Research Fellow at the University of Bath and former Executive Secretary of the Newcomen Society for the Study of the History of Engineering and Technology.

Reviews

'A condensed summary of the history of technology ... very much to be welcomed.' - Royal Society of Arts Journal

'A comprehensive work of some 1,000-plus pages with extremely clear line drawings, good photographs and charts.' - Library Association Record

'Informative and comprehensive, remarkable in its coverage ... one of those valuable sources of information. It covers every aspect of technology from the Stone Age to the Space Age ... will undoubtedly help readers to get a grip on and feel of an enormous range of subjects ... An invaluable and practical addition to most office bookshelves or libraries.' - New Civil Engineer

'An amazing volume that treats in detail the history of technology ... incredible scope and value as an historical reference.' - Information Retrieval and Library Automation

'The authors represented in this book are to be congratulated for their readable and reliable surveys of the past and present status of the major areas where mankind has harnessed science for the production of useful products and processes.' - Choice

'Contain[s] a vast amount of reliable information over a very wide field. It is certainly a work of which I shall myself make frequent use ... it deserves to find a place ... in every reference library.' - Times Higher Education Supplement

'The coverage is excellent ... a most valuable single-volume source which for its comprehensiveness and ease of reference will earn its place in both specialist and general reference collections.' - Reference Reviews

'The encyclopedia's value as a reference work is enhanced by 7 tables and 158 figures, and by detailed, cross-referenced, name and subject indexes. I recommend it as essential reading for instructors and students of the history of science, technology and industry or for anyone interested in this field.' - American Scientist

Book Information
ISBN 9780415147927
Author Ian McNeil
Format Paperback
Page Count 1084
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 2010g