Invention & technology advanced with painful slowness through the 17th century, not because men were stupid, but because the imagination and daring...
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Jun 20, 2009
Tatiana
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This is a really well-written book about the history of humankind as seen through the lens of changing technology. To me, political history is less explanatory of why our societies are like they are in each era. Political history doesn't seem to explain much to me. That may be because I'm a science geek.
The history of technology, as it's shown here, has much more explanatory power. Why castles and chivalry and a feudal social order? The technology of war at the time had defens More...
The history of technology, as it's shown here, has much more explanatory power. Why castles and chivalry and a feudal social order? The technology of war at the time had defens More...
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Dec 21, 2007
Tracey
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I checked this book out from the library on a recommendation from fierra, when I mentioned wanting to know more about Roman engineering after reading Pompeii: A Novel.
A fairly thick [372 pgs, not counting the notes, bibliography and index], rather dry book, De Camp covers the art and science of engineering from the beginning of recorded history through the early Renaissance. Relatively multi-cultural for the time it was written (1963) it includes chapters on India and China, as well More...
A fairly thick [372 pgs, not counting the notes, bibliography and index], rather dry book, De Camp covers the art and science of engineering from the beginning of recorded history through the early Renaissance. Relatively multi-cultural for the time it was written (1963) it includes chapters on India and China, as well More...
Feb 03, 2011
Erik
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This is an accessible history of ancient technology and engineering written for the general public by an author primarily known for his science fiction. Having nothing like modern patent or copyright protections, the ancients tended to keep their technical innovations secret, passing methods on within close, primarily familial, circles. Consequently, many inventions were unique or nearly so and failed to obtain purchase in the broader world. Further, given the oft great abundance of cheap lab
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Oct 23, 2007
Steve
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I read the 1963 edition of this book that I picked up at Barnes & Noble. What a surprise! I love history, trivia, and the way that the past comes to life through the eyes of the people who lived and worked and had modern-day problems to solve: this book was right on target for that. It became obvious that despite the intervening half-century since it was written, there have not been so many earth-shattering discoveries or revelations that would render the scholarship obsolete. The nonstandar
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Nov 25, 2010
Ron
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Don't read this for the history: many of deCamp's assertions (circa 1960) have been overturned by later archeology. Read it for deCamp's opinions and social commentary. While much of that seems quaint by today's standards, in the early 1960s they were cutting edge.
Feb 13, 2009
Anders
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It's been a few years since I read this book, so I don't remember details anymore, but the book made a real impression. It's fascinating how little credit we sometimes give our ancestors. It's too bad that we equate technology and brilliance.
Dec 03, 2008
Benjaminxjackson
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De Camp takes readers on an interesting tour through the history of technology and architecture. He gives us some ideas on how obelisks were set up, were drilled, and roads were made. What amazes me is how people could create enduring and magnificent works without the advantage of machines and modern measuring tools. Of course, the work of the engineers in this book laid the groundwork for all that we have today. The book shows that we could can do great things if we think creatively and sensibl
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Nov 17, 2007
Michelle
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This was assigned for a college class, and turned out to be one of the most interesting books/classes. I had to ignore the anti-Christianity tone throughout, though.
Jun 28, 2007
A wonderful pre-History Channel experience, and still one of the most readable of books on the puzzles of how ancient civilizations did things.
Sep 25, 2008
Greg
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A good starter for those who like the history of technology. Austin's Harry Ransom Center has a collection of DeCamp's papers.
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