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The Perfectionists
by Simon Winchester • 2018
From cylinders to microchips: the hidden pursuit of perfect smoothness that built the modern world.
4.15
7k+
The Perfectionists Summary
The Perfectionists 92%
From cylinders to microchips: the hidden pursuit of perfect smoothness that built the modern world.
by Simon Winchester 2018
4.15
7k+ ratings
Pasteur's Quadrant
by Donald E. Stokes • 1997
The report that sold America on funding pure science: the engine of health, security, and growth.
3.82
150
Pasteur's Quadrant Summary
Pasteur's Quadrant 90%
The report that sold America on funding pure science: the engine of health, security, and growth.
by Donald E. Stokes 1997
3.82
150 ratings
The Alchemy of Us
by Ainissa Ramirez • 2020
We invented quartz clocks, steel rails, and silicon chips. Then they reinvented us.
3.90
1k+
The Alchemy of Us Summary
The Alchemy of Us 90%
We invented quartz clocks, steel rails, and silicon chips. Then they reinvented us.
by Ainissa Ramirez 2020
3.90
1k+ ratings
Soonish
by Kelly Weinersmith • 2017
Ten technologies that could reshape everything, and why each one might backfire spectacularly.
3.94
6k+
Soonish Summary
Soonish 90%
Ten technologies that could reshape everything, and why each one might backfire spectacularly.
by Kelly Weinersmith 2017
3.94
6k+ ratings
The Essential Engineer
by Henry Petroski • 2010
Science explains; engineering creates. When we confuse the two, our biggest problems get harder.
3.37
270
The Essential Engineer Summary
The Essential Engineer 90%
Science explains; engineering creates. When we confuse the two, our biggest problems get harder.
by Henry Petroski 2010
3.37
270 ratings
Momentos estelares de la ciencia
by Isaac Asimov • 1959
From Archimedes' bath to the splitting of the atom: the breakthroughs that built the modern mind.
4.11
674
Momentos estelares de la ciencia Summary
Momentos estelares de la ciencia 90%
From Archimedes' bath to the splitting of the atom: the breakthroughs that built the modern mind.
by Isaac Asimov 1959
4.11
674 ratings
The Evolution of Useful Things
by Henry Petroski • 1994
Annoyance, not function, gave us forks, zippers, paper clips. The real driver of everyday design.
3.52
1k+
The Evolution of Useful Things Summary
The Evolution of Useful Things 90%
Annoyance, not function, gave us forks, zippers, paper clips. The real driver of everyday design.
by Henry Petroski 1994
3.52
1k+ ratings
Stuff Matters
by Mark Miodownik • 2013
What a steel razor and a teacup reveal about civilization: the hidden science of everyday materials.
4.11
21k+
Stuff Matters Summary
Stuff Matters 90%
What a steel razor and a teacup reveal about civilization: the hidden science of everyday materials.
by Mark Miodownik 2013
4.11
21k+ ratings
The Idea Factory
by Jon Gertner • 2012
A phone monopoly's lab produced the transistor, the laser, and the digital age. How it worked.
4.21
9k+
The Idea Factory Summary
The Idea Factory 90%
A phone monopoly's lab produced the transistor, the laser, and the digital age. How it worked.
by Jon Gertner 2012
4.21
9k+ ratings
The Pencil
by Henry Petroski • 1992
A pencil hides centuries of engineering failures, global trade, and the secret to good design.
3.80
657
The Pencil Summary
The Pencil 90%
A pencil hides centuries of engineering failures, global trade, and the secret to good design.
by Henry Petroski 1992
3.80
657 ratings
Jump-Starting America
by Jonathan Gruber • 2019
Public science built the middle class. We cut R&D by two-thirds. China noticed.
4.07
334
Jump-Starting America Summary
Jump-Starting America 90%
Public science built the middle class. We cut R&D by two-thirds. China noticed.
by Jonathan Gruber 2019
4.07
334 ratings
How Technology Works
by D.K. Publishing • 2019
A visual tour of the physics inside your phone, your microwave, and the power grid.
4.33
166
How Technology Works Summary
How Technology Works 90%
A visual tour of the physics inside your phone, your microwave, and the power grid.
by D.K. Publishing 2019
4.33
166 ratings
Bad Ideas?
by Robert Winston • 2009
Writing, farming, and nuclear power share an uncomfortable secret: each was supposed to save us.
3.56
142
Bad Ideas? Summary
Bad Ideas? 90%
Writing, farming, and nuclear power share an uncomfortable secret: each was supposed to save us.
by Robert Winston 2009
3.56
142 ratings
Entrepreneurial Nation
by Ro Khanna • 2012
Six times more productive: America's factory floor still beats China's, but policy hasn't caught up.
3.73
30
Entrepreneurial Nation Summary
Entrepreneurial Nation 90%
Six times more productive: America's factory floor still beats China's, but policy hasn't caught up.
by Ro Khanna 2012
3.73
30 ratings
The Gifts of Athena
by Joel Mokyr • 2002
The modern economy runs on a feedback loop between understanding nature and manipulating it.
4.02
136
The Gifts of Athena Summary
The Gifts of Athena 90%
The modern economy runs on a feedback loop between understanding nature and manipulating it.
by Joel Mokyr 2002
4.02
136 ratings
ColdFusion Presents
by Dagogo Altraide • 2019
From steam to AI: the chain of breakthroughs that built the modern world, every link essential.
4.17
780
ColdFusion Presents Summary
ColdFusion Presents 90%
From steam to AI: the chain of breakthroughs that built the modern world, every link essential.
by Dagogo Altraide 2019
4.17
780 ratings
The Entrepreneurial State
by Mariana Mazzucato • 2011
The state funded the tech inside every iPhone. The private sector took the credit.
3.94
3k+
The Entrepreneurial State Summary
The Entrepreneurial State 90%
The state funded the tech inside every iPhone. The private sector took the credit.
by Mariana Mazzucato 2011
3.94
3k+ ratings
The Nature of Technology
by W. Brian Arthur • 2009
Technology is nature harnessed, then endlessly recombined. Each invention fuels the next.
3.95
858
The Nature of Technology Summary
The Nature of Technology 90%
Technology is nature harnessed, then endlessly recombined. Each invention fuels the next.
by W. Brian Arthur 2009
3.95
858 ratings
The Golem (Canto Classics)
by Harry Collins • 1992
Science, like a golem, is powerful but clumsy. Its real process is social, not neat method.
3.77
341
The Golem (Canto Classics) Summary
The Golem (Canto Classics) 90%
Science, like a golem, is powerful but clumsy. Its real process is social, not neat method.
by Harry Collins 1992
3.77
341 ratings
The Two Cultures
by C.P. Snow • 1959
A scientist's 1959 warning: the rift between science and the humanities is a crisis of civilization.
3.66
2k+
The Two Cultures Summary
The Two Cultures 90%
A scientist's 1959 warning: the rift between science and the humanities is a crisis of civilization.
by C.P. Snow 1959
3.66
2k+ ratings
The Standard Electrical Dictionary A Popular Dictionary of Words and Terms Used in the Practice of Electrical Engineering
by T. O'Conor Sloane • 2009
An electrical engineering dictionary from the year the ether was real and the electron unknown.
3.08
137
The Standard Electrical Dictionary A Popular Dictionary of Words and Terms Used in the Practice of Electrical Engineering Summary
The Standard Electrical Dictionary A Popular Dictionary of Words and Terms Used in the Practice of Electrical Engineering 90%
An electrical engineering dictionary from the year the ether was real and the electron unknown.
by T. O'Conor Sloane 2009
3.08
137 ratings
The Art of Doing Science and Engineering
by Richard W. Hamming • 1996
What separates great scientists from good ones: they pick better problems.
4.18
2k+
The Art of Doing Science and Engineering Summary
The Art of Doing Science and Engineering 90%
What separates great scientists from good ones: they pick better problems.
by Richard W. Hamming 1996
4.18
2k+ ratings
How We Got to Now
by Steven Johnson • 2014
Six ordinary breakthroughs built the modern world; their biggest consequences were never planned.
4.12
16k+
How We Got to Now Summary
How We Got to Now 90%
Six ordinary breakthroughs built the modern world; their biggest consequences were never planned.
by Steven Johnson 2014
4.12
16k+ ratings
The Story of Technology
by Daniel M. Gerstein • 2019
Technology lurches, converges, and reshapes us. The patterns for reading the next disruption.
3.50
16
The Story of Technology Summary
The Story of Technology 90%
Technology lurches, converges, and reshapes us. The patterns for reading the next disruption.
by Daniel M. Gerstein 2019
3.50
16 ratings
Physics of the Future
by Michio Kaku • 2011
What a century of real physics can actually deliver: from invisible computers to fusion power.
4.00
18k+
Physics of the Future Summary
Physics of the Future 90%
What a century of real physics can actually deliver: from invisible computers to fusion power.
by Michio Kaku 2011
4.00
18k+ ratings
Maintenance of Everything
by Stewart Brand • 2026
Civilization runs on maintenance nobody sees, values, or funds. Until it stops.
4.00
516
Maintenance of Everything Summary
Maintenance of Everything 90%
Civilization runs on maintenance nobody sees, values, or funds. Until it stops.
by Stewart Brand 2026
4.00
516 ratings
The Control Revolution
by James R. Beniger • 1986
Steam outran human control. The century-long scramble to catch up invented modern data processing.
4.16
112
The Control Revolution Summary
The Control Revolution 89%
Steam outran human control. The century-long scramble to catch up invented modern data processing.
by James R. Beniger 1986
4.16
112 ratings
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy
by Tim Harford • 2017
Fifty inventions, from barbed wire to infant formula, and the economic ripples nobody saw coming.
4.06
4k+
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy Summary
Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy 89%
Fifty inventions, from barbed wire to infant formula, and the economic ripples nobody saw coming.
by Tim Harford 2017
4.06
4k+ ratings
The Year in Tech 2022
by Harvard Business Review • 2021
Brain sensors at work. Doctor-prescribed apps. The tech trends reshaping business.
3.56
176
The Year in Tech 2022 Summary
The Year in Tech 2022 89%
Brain sensors at work. Doctor-prescribed apps. The tech trends reshaping business.
by Harvard Business Review 2021
3.56
176 ratings
The Genesis Machine
by Amy Webb • 2022
Life is becoming programmable. The technology is here; the rules for using it are not.
3.94
745
The Genesis Machine Summary
The Genesis Machine 89%
Life is becoming programmable. The technology is here; the rules for using it are not.
by Amy Webb 2022
3.94
745 ratings
How to Invent Everything
by Ryan North • 2018
Stranded in the past with nothing but your wits, and the flowchart says you're before 50,000 BCE.
4.14
6k+
How to Invent Everything Summary
How to Invent Everything 89%
Stranded in the past with nothing but your wits, and the flowchart says you're before 50,000 BCE.
by Ryan North 2018
4.14
6k+ ratings
Going Nuclear
by Tim Gregory • 2025
Nuclear is the cleanest, safest, densest energy on Earth. Only irrational fear stands in its way.
4.47
309
Going Nuclear Summary
Going Nuclear 89%
Nuclear is the cleanest, safest, densest energy on Earth. Only irrational fear stands in its way.
by Tim Gregory 2025
4.47
309 ratings
A Sense of the Mysterious
by Alan Lightman • 2005
The creative fire behind cold equations: a physicist-novelist on what science shares with art.
3.82
671
A Sense of the Mysterious Summary
A Sense of the Mysterious 89%
The creative fire behind cold equations: a physicist-novelist on what science shares with art.
by Alan Lightman 2005
3.82
671 ratings
Engineering in Plain Sight
by Grady Hillhouse • 2022
An illustrated field guide to the engineering secrets embedded in every street, pole, and bridge.
4.20
856
Engineering in Plain Sight Summary
Engineering in Plain Sight 89%
An illustrated field guide to the engineering secrets embedded in every street, pole, and bridge.
by Grady Hillhouse 2022
4.20
856 ratings
Einstein's Fridge
by Paul Sen • 2021
The science of heat built the modern world and governs time's arrow, life, and black holes.
4.26
989
Einstein's Fridge Summary
Einstein's Fridge 89%
The science of heat built the modern world and governs time's arrow, life, and black holes.
by Paul Sen 2021
4.26
989 ratings
Tesla
by W. Bernard Carlson • 2013
The same mental discipline that electrified the world also led Nikola Tesla to ruin.
3.87
2k+
Tesla Summary
Tesla 89%
The same mental discipline that electrified the world also led Nikola Tesla to ruin.
by W. Bernard Carlson 2013
3.87
2k+ ratings
Made in the USA
by Vaclav Smil • 2013
How the country that made a third of the planet's goods stopped making almost everything.
3.76
510
Made in the USA Summary
Made in the USA 89%
How the country that made a third of the planet's goods stopped making almost everything.
by Vaclav Smil 2013
3.76
510 ratings
This Idea Is Brilliant
by John Brockman • 2018
The overlooked scientific ideas top minds most urgently want you to know, from entropy to emergence.
3.83
662
This Idea Is Brilliant Summary
This Idea Is Brilliant 89%
The overlooked scientific ideas top minds most urgently want you to know, from entropy to emergence.
by John Brockman 2018
3.83
662 ratings
Reinventing Discovery
by Michael Nielsen • 2011
Science's discovery model held for 300 years. Open networks and citizen labs are replacing it.
3.94
640
Reinventing Discovery Summary
Reinventing Discovery 89%
Science's discovery model held for 300 years. Open networks and citizen labs are replacing it.
by Michael Nielsen 2011
3.94
640 ratings
The Things We Make
by Bill Hammack • 2023
Engineering isn't applied science: it's the art of solving problems before anyone understands them.
3.75
1k+
The Things We Make Summary
The Things We Make 89%
Engineering isn't applied science: it's the art of solving problems before anyone understands them.
by Bill Hammack 2023
3.75
1k+ ratings
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing
by Petroski • 1996
Paper clips, fax machines, bridges: what their shortcomings reveal about the logic of engineering.
3.75
351
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing Summary
Invention by Design; How Engineers Get from Thought to Thing 89%
Paper clips, fax machines, bridges: what their shortcomings reveal about the logic of engineering.
by Petroski 1996
3.75
351 ratings
Caesar's Last Breath
by Sam Kean • 2017
Your next breath shares molecules with Caesar's last, and with every war and volcano since.
4.25
5k+
Caesar's Last Breath Summary
Caesar's Last Breath 89%
Your next breath shares molecules with Caesar's last, and with every war and volcano since.
by Sam Kean 2017
4.25
5k+ ratings
The Quantum Universe
by Brian Cox • 2011
A theory that defies common sense underlies transistors, lasers, and every atom in your body.
3.76
5k+
The Quantum Universe Summary
The Quantum Universe 89%
A theory that defies common sense underlies transistors, lasers, and every atom in your body.
by Brian Cox 2011
3.76
5k+ ratings
Physics of the Impossible
by Michio Kaku • 2008
Sci-fi's wildest tech, sorted by a physicist: what's coming this century, and what breaks reality.
4.09
42k+
Physics of the Impossible Summary
Physics of the Impossible 89%
Sci-fi's wildest tech, sorted by a physicist: what's coming this century, and what breaks reality.
by Michio Kaku 2008
4.09
42k+ ratings
Whatever Happened to the Metric System?
by John Bemelmans Marciano • 2013
A tale of revolutions, divine measures, and why a global standard stopped at America's shores.
3.62
321
Whatever Happened to the Metric System? Summary
Whatever Happened to the Metric System? 89%
A tale of revolutions, divine measures, and why a global standard stopped at America's shores.
by John Bemelmans Marciano 2013
3.62
321 ratings
The Internet of Things
by Samuel Greengard • 2015
Connecting everything to the internet could add $33 trillion to the economy, and expose everything.
3.23
542
The Internet of Things Summary
The Internet of Things 89%
Connecting everything to the internet could add $33 trillion to the economy, and expose everything.
by Samuel Greengard 2015
3.23
542 ratings
Vector
by Robyn Arianrhod • 2024
Your GPS and AI depend on a 19th-century algebra that broke the rules of arithmetic.
4.05
163
Vector Summary
Vector 89%
Your GPS and AI depend on a 19th-century algebra that broke the rules of arithmetic.
by Robyn Arianrhod 2024
4.05
163 ratings
How Innovation Works
by Matt Ridley • 2020
Not lone geniuses but slow, collective tinkering, freedom, and accident drive real innovation.
4.11
4k+
How Innovation Works Summary
How Innovation Works 89%
Not lone geniuses but slow, collective tinkering, freedom, and accident drive real innovation.
by Matt Ridley 2020
4.11
4k+ ratings
The Common Sense of Science
by Jacob Bronowski • 1951
The Scientific Revolution was cultural. Science is personal, never the cold machine you fear.
3.83
141
The Common Sense of Science Summary
The Common Sense of Science 89%
The Scientific Revolution was cultural. Science is personal, never the cold machine you fear.
by Jacob Bronowski 1951
3.83
141 ratings
Quantum Supremacy
by Michio Kaku • 2023
Physics' strangest laws are about to power computers that crack encryption and reinvent medicine.
3.78
4k+
Quantum Supremacy Summary
Quantum Supremacy 89%
Physics' strangest laws are about to power computers that crack encryption and reinvent medicine.
by Michio Kaku 2023
3.78
4k+ ratings
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