Machines Through the Ages: From Furnaces to Factories

Gr 6 Up–This engaging series looks at how humans in different regions developed and utilized technology in ancient times. Readers learn about various aspects of key developments, including the factors that spurred innovation, benefits to humans, and specific details on techniques and inventions. The bulk of the chapters focus on one of six or seven regions, providing broad but not complete coverage; African cultures beyond Egypt are not included. Occasional examples of how modern scientists learned about ancient practices are woven into the text, such as underwater caching theory in Agriculture Through the Ages and Antikythera mechanism in Machines Through the Ages. The focus is on ancient technology, though the concluding chapters in all but Machines note some more recent inventions. The volumes point out how modern societies continue to reuse and build upon past developments. Dates are noted throughout and a two-page time line provides a useful, broader picture. Solid visual support includes one or two illustrations, reproductions, or a photograph per spread.