Nuts and Bolts: How Tiny Inventions Make Our World Work

In Nuts and Bolts, Roma Agrawal deconstructs our most complex feats of engineering into seven fundamental inventions: the nail, spring, wheel, lens, magnet, string, and pump. These objects have enabled humanity to see the invisible, build the spectacular, communicate across vast distances, and even escape our planet.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Nuts and Bolts: Seven Fundamental Inventions That Changed the World

Synopsis:

In Nuts and Bolts, award-winning Shard engineer and broadcaster Roma Agrawal takes us on a fascinating journey to explore the seven fundamental inventions that have shaped our world. These inventions, which include the nail, spring, wheel, lens, magnet, string, and pump, may seem ordinary at first glance, but they are the building blocks of modern technology.

Through meticulous research and storytelling, Roma reveals the intricate details behind each invention, tracing their surprising journeys through the millennia. She demonstrates how these seemingly simple objects have enabled humanity to see the invisible, build the spectacular, communicate across vast distances, and even escape our planet.

What makes Nuts and Bolts particularly compelling is Roma's ability to demystify complex engineering concepts and make them accessible to a wide audience. She breaks down the science behind these inventions in a way that is both informative and engaging, making it easy for readers to understand the profound impact they have had on our lives.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is Roma's ability to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated inventions. For example, she shows how handmade Roman nails led to modern skyscrapers, how the potter's wheel enabled space exploration, and how humble lenses helped her conceive a child against the odds.

In addition to its educational value, Nuts and Bolts is a joy to read. Roma's writing is clear, elegant, and full of fascinating anecdotes and historical insights. She brings the characters behind these inventions to life, sharing their stories and struggles in a way that is both inspiring and relatable.

Whether you are a science enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of design, Nuts and Bolts is a must-read. It is a masterclass in storytelling that will leave you marveling at the ingenuity and creativity of humanity.

Awards and Recognition:

Nuts and Bolts has received widespread acclaim and has been shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize 2023. It has also been featured on various radio programs, including BBC Radio 4's Start the Week, Off Air with Fi and Jane, and 99% Invisible.

Conclusion:

In a world where technology often seems overwhelming, Nuts and Bolts offers a refreshing perspective. It reminds us that even the most complex feats of engineering can be broken down into simple, fundamental inventions that have had a profound impact on our lives. By exploring the stories behind these inventions, Roma Agrawal has created a book that is both educational and inspiring, and that will continue to captivate readers for years to come.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 196 x 132 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529340112