Invention Mysteries

Rating:
Summary: An engaging anthology of little-known trivia
Review: Enhanced with black-and-white illustrations by Kevin Cordtz, Invention Mysteries: The Little-Known Stories Behind Well-Known Inventions by syndicated newspaper columnist Paul Niemann (who is also a contributing author to "Inventors' Digest" magazine) is an engaging anthology of little-known trivia concerning famous inventors and inventions. From the man who lost out on the patent to the telephone because he arrived at the patent office two hours after Alexander Graham Bell and kept better notes of his invention, to the left-handed revolutionary genius of Leonardo da Vinci, to common myths concerning inventions and inventors (including the fallacy that most patents are profitable - less than 2% are estimated to be). An enjoyable and amusing collection to browse through in one's spare time, written in an upbeat tone and snippet-by-snippet format, The Little-Known Stories Behind Well-Known Inventions is ideal for school and community libraries.


Rating:
Summary: Fascinating, often humorous
Review: If Paul Niemann's name seems familiar to you, it's probably because you've read his syndicated column, Invention Mysteries, in your local newspaper. His book of the same name is a collection of his first 47 essays (with illustrations by Kevin Cordtz, whose drawings sometimes resemble Jack Davis' work in MAD and various EC comics), and they are terrific reading.

If you ever wanted to know about the various incarnations of the bicycle, the real creator of the World Wide Web, or if Rube Goldberg actually invented anything, then this is definitely the book for you. It features the stories behind the inventions we all know and love, like the telephone, golf, windshield wipers and bulletproof vests. There are also pieces that dispel popular rumors about various inventions (and their inventors) and ones that delve into patent law and how it came about.
This book is filled with fascinating and often humorous stories that will appeal to trivia hounds and people interested in knowing more about the world around them. After reading it you'll feel a little bit smarter and maybe even want to invent something of your own. Keep in mind, however, that Michael Jackson already has a patent on an "anti-gravity illusion" device, so you'll have to try again. -- Doug Brunell for the FEARLESS REVIEWS

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Summary: INVENTION MYSTERIES -The Little-Known Stories Behin Well-kno
Review: This book is great! It is packed with a ton of interesting invention secrets. Everyone should read INVENTION MYSTERIES it is a quick read that you can pick up anywhere, anytime, and not want to put down! I got copies for friends and family!