Flying Buttresses, Entropy, and O-Rings: The World of an Engineer

by James L. Adams

Harvard University Press
Paper: 978-0-674-30689-9

ABOUT THIS BOOK | REVIEWS

ABOUT THIS BOOK
From Teflon to Velcro, from bandwidths to base pairs, the artifacts of engineering and technology reflect the broad scope—and frustrating limitations—of our imagination. Best-selling author James Adams takes readers on an enlightening tour of this exciting world, demystifying such endeavors as design, research, and manufacturing.

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REVIEWS

In these witty and engrossing pages, Adams demonstrates that engineering actually can be as divine an occupation as the clergy and as soulful as an aria… Adams’ literary tour is the next best thing to visiting a hands-on engineering exhibit.
-- Alex Raksin Los Angeles Times Book Review

Adams has covered his subject well, and his book would make excellent reading for young people contemplating a career in engineering… [It is] well organized, well written and often amusing, with some very shrewd observations… [The author] deserves our thanks for an interesting and valuable book.
-- Michael French Times Higher Education Supplement

This text was written to provide a general audience with access to the subjects of engineering and technology. It is a superb book… Discussions of the Challenger tragedy, the balcony collapse at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, a DC-10 crash…and other technical topics make the book readable, convincing, and enjoyable.
-- Science Books & Films

In this engaging book, the author of Conceptual Blockbusting introduces the world of engineering, from the origins of problems to design and invention; mathematics; science and research; development, testing and failure; manufacturing; money and business; and regulation.
-- Science News