How We Got to Now

Six Innovations That Made the Modern World

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Philosophy & Social Aspects, Technology, Engineering, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson, Penguin Publishing Group
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Steven Johnson ISBN: 9780698154506
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group Publication: September 30, 2014
Imprint: Riverhead Books Language: English
Author: Steven Johnson
ISBN: 9780698154506
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Publication: September 30, 2014
Imprint: Riverhead Books
Language: English

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Farsighted, a new look at the power and legacy of great ideas.

In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes—from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life.

In his trademark style, Johnson examines unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated fields: how the invention of air-conditioning enabled the largest migration of human beings in the history of the species—to cities such as Dubai or Phoenix, which would otherwise be virtually uninhabitable; how pendulum clocks helped trigger the industrial revolution; and how clean water made it possible to manufacture computer chips. Accompanied by a major six-part television series on PBS, How We Got to Now is the story of collaborative networks building the modern world, written in the provocative, informative, and engaging style that has earned Johnson fans around the globe.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

From the New York Times–bestselling author of Where Good Ideas Come From and Farsighted, a new look at the power and legacy of great ideas.

In this illustrated history, Steven Johnson explores the history of innovation over centuries, tracing facets of modern life (refrigeration, clocks, and eyeglass lenses, to name a few) from their creation by hobbyists, amateurs, and entrepreneurs to their unintended historical consequences. Filled with surprising stories of accidental genius and brilliant mistakes—from the French publisher who invented the phonograph before Edison but forgot to include playback, to the Hollywood movie star who helped invent the technology behind Wi-Fi and Bluetooth—How We Got to Now investigates the secret history behind the everyday objects of contemporary life.

In his trademark style, Johnson examines unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated fields: how the invention of air-conditioning enabled the largest migration of human beings in the history of the species—to cities such as Dubai or Phoenix, which would otherwise be virtually uninhabitable; how pendulum clocks helped trigger the industrial revolution; and how clean water made it possible to manufacture computer chips. Accompanied by a major six-part television series on PBS, How We Got to Now is the story of collaborative networks building the modern world, written in the provocative, informative, and engaging style that has earned Johnson fans around the globe.

More books from Penguin Publishing Group

Cover of the book The Lady from Zagreb by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Minor Characters by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Fatherhood by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book The Harbormaster's Daughter by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Bad vs. Worse by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book The First 20 Minutes Personal Trainer by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Cold Flat Junction by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book The Wendy Williams Experience by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Helsinki White by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Bled Dry by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Lone star 143/saloon by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book A Glimpse of Evil by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Honky Tonk Hellion by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book The Dreamer's Song by Steven Johnson
Cover of the book Trick or Deceit by Steven Johnson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy