Picture History of Great Inven

Clements's ( The Illustrated History of the World ) concise yet conversational text and accurate drawings focus on some 60 inventions that have greatly influenced civilization, at the same time spotlighting hundreds of other intriguing discoveries and events. Evidence of the author's fastidious research fills this paper-over-board volume's colorful spreads, each of which is packed with informative sidebars, spot art (much of it accompanied by humorous asides) and an illustrated timeline that helps place the inventions in historical context. After offering an overview of ancient and medieval inventors, Clements zeroes in on key individuals, including Johannes Gutenberg, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein and Theodore Maiman. An introductory note acknowledges that--due to incomplete historical records and ``limited opportunities in the past for some people''--``many major inventions are associated with European men''; Clements, however, includes notes on the work of selected women and minority members. Her edifying book concludes with an extensive illustrated glossary. Ages 8-12. (May)