A beautiful and thrilling round-up of 32 of the best Magnificent Machines from across history by Blue Peter award-winning David Long.

The longest ship ever built, the heaviest digger and the largest aeroplane, the world's first working motorcar, and its most expensive one. What machines like these have in common is that they all say a lot about the inventiveness and imagination of the people who conceived and created them. Some of them are useful, others are just a bit of fun, but the best ones are truly magnificent, and fascinating to discover.

Designed to drive faster, fly higher, carry more cargo or - in the case of space rockets - travel hundreds of thousands of miles to places no-one has ever been before, not every idea has worked but the best have been inspired and inspirational, and in a few cases they have gone on to change the world.

It is the human stories and atmospheric art that make this a book to actually read and delight in.

Taking our lead from the travel posters of the 20s and 30s, a beautiful and thrilling round-up of 32 of the best Magnificent Machines from across history.

About the Author

Writer and historian David Long is the author of the acclaimed Animals' VC: For Gallantry and Devotion and the Blue Peter award-winning author of Survivors, Heroes and Rescue, which have total combined sales of 50,000 copies. He lives in Suffolk and has two teenage sons.

David says: I wrote to a few of my favourite authors when I was at school. I was genuinely delighted when they wrote back to answer my questions. I didn't collect autographs or anything like that but I loved finding out more about the books I most enjoyed. I think I probably imagined they would find the letters tiresome, or that they wouldn't want to be interrupted, but most seemed to enjoy hearing from their readers. I know I do. It is one of the things I like most about being a children's author, and engaging with readers in this way is a constant delight.

Simon Tyler is an author, illustrator and graphic designer. In 2013 he launched the acclaimed infographic poster brand Atomic Printworks. His books include Bugs, Insects and Adventures in Space. He lives on the Sussex coast with his young family, and enjoys climbing rocks and collecting bicycles.

Book Information
ISBN 9780571347186
Author David Long
Format Hardback
Page Count 184
Imprint Faber & Faber
Publisher Faber & Faber
Weight(grams) 1460g
Dimensions(mm) 245mm * 310mm * 26mm