With a minimum of technical detail, and in a highly readable style, this presents a fascinating overview of the development of engineering in Western civilization, from its origins to the twentieth century. The book is organized around the authors' division of history into eight primary events: Food-producing revolution (6000-3000 B.C.) Appearance of urban society (3000-2000 B.C.) Birth of Greek science (600-300 B.C.) Revolution in power (Middle Ages) Rise of modern science (17th century) Stream and the Industrial Revolution (18th century) Electricity and the beginnings of applied science (19th century) Age of automatic control (20th century).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Origins -- Urban society -- Greek engineering -- Imperial civilization -- The revolution in power -- Foundations for industry -- The industrial revolution -- Roads, canals, bridges -- Steam vessels and locomotives -- Iron and steel -- Electrical engineering -- Modern transportation -- Sanitary and hydraulic engineering -- Construction -- Reflections.