Small Things Considered

	Author(s): Petroski, Henry Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Format: Hardcover List Price:  $25.00
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Overview:
In this engrossing and insightful book' Petroski takes us inside the creative process by which common objects are invented and improved upon in pursuit of the ever-elusive perfect thing. He shows us' for instance' how the disposable paper cup became a popular commercial success only after the public learned that shared water glasses could carry germs; how it took years' an abundance of business panache' and many discarded models - from cups that opened like paper bags to those that came with pleats - for the inventor of the paper cup to arrive at what we now use and toss away without so much as a thought for its fascinating history. A trenchant' surprising evaluation of why some designs succeed and others don't' Small Things Considered is also an utterly delightful study of human nature.

Category: Engineering