The history of engineering. Kirby R., Darling A., Kilgur F.

This book is an interesting review of the development of engineering art in the history of Western civilization from sources to the twentieth century. The authors emphasize achievements, which, in their opinion, are the most important and have the greatest influence on the development of human civilization, giving magnificent examples of masterpieces of creative engineering thought.

This is hanging gardens of Babylon; construction of Egyptian pyramids and temples; Archimedes's cunning mechanisms; complex constructions of pipelines and bridges; tunnels laid in the mountains and dug under water; channels; steamboats; locomotives - in a word, everything that requires extensive technical knowledge, experience and courage. The authors explain the purpose of the inventions, give detailed descriptions of the components and how they interact, report the main sizes, give an idea of ​​the construction or assembly technology. The review ends with an essay on the influence of engineering on a society, which states that the technology should help increase ethical and aesthetic values.

The book is richly illustrated and written in a simple accessible language, not burdened by a large number of technical terms and details.