Cat Flaps and Mouse Traps: The Origins of Objects in Our Daily Lives

by Harry Oliver, Mike Mosedale (Illustrations)

Why did Isaac Newton invent the cat flap? How did the first mousetrap come about? Why did it take nearly 20 years to make sliced bread? From the moment the alarm clock wakes us up in the morning until the time we switch the light off at night, we are surrounded by things without which our lives would be microwaves, televisions, cars, cell phones, and credit cards—the list is endless. Yet how often do we consider how such miniature wonders of our lives came about, who invented them, and why? The answers are often incredibly interesting. In this delightful volume, Harry Oliver reveals the most diverting and amusing stories that lie behind the objects and inventions we take for granted, from household items to the technology that fills our world. Everything around us was born from an idea, and as you read the pages in this book, the ordinary will soon appear rather more extraordinary than it did before.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2007

Reviews

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting facts learned like tea bags were invented by a tea trader who sent out tea samples in little silk bags. His customers loved the idea but said the water couldn't seep well in silk - so another bloke used paper bags instead and this worked. In WWII the soldiers got paper tea bags in their kits and once the war was over everyone had access to the bags.

Then the Cat flap was invented by Sir Issac Newton because his little puss loved being with him, but kept pushing open the door to his laboratory where he was conducting light experiments - so ruining the outcome. Newton cut a hole at the bottom of the door and covered it with strips of black felt - little puss could come in and out as she pleased without letting the light in.

Some of the other everyday items whose origins were explained that stood out for me are Asprin, Ring pulls, condoms,zippers and bras! All in all over 100 items explained.

[Nekochimachan (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧ · Rating 3 out of 5]

My father gave me this book on my fifteen birthday because I love to read books and I love to spout some random facts. The entries were kinda interesting so as the (few) illustrations-- Whenever I read the book that I would tell it to my friends or loved ones and they gain new knowledge about the origins of things. It's nostalgic for me and hopefully, I can buy other works of Mr. Oliver if it's available in my country.

[Bindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information source, heaps of triva.

[Lucy · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want the facts, go to Wikipedia. If you want bad comic takes on stuff, go to a tabloid newspaper. Don't read this if you like your literature proof read or competently edited.
The penny-farthing was so called, according to this apology for an author, because the penny was the smallest English coin and the farthing the largest. Er, no, Mr Oliver......

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many inventions that are now part of modern life were actually conceived much longer ago than I would've expected. Three stars for the content, but the author's use of fairly lame humour detracts a bit from the reading experience.

[Xanthi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and interesting. Some of these origin stories I have read elsewhere before, whilst others were new to me, which was good. I read this one during my breaks at work, as it was easy to put down and pick up again later.

[Philia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and informative.
My favorite is the Cat Flap that Issac Newton made do for his darling cat to go in and out of his lab.

Come to think of it, mom may like to make one for her Bedroom door for CatKat and screen off the air-condition.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not all entries are fun to read, there are some fascinating details about the origins of objects we use every day.