A Brief History of Stuff: The Extraordinary Stories of Ordinary Objects

by D.K. Publishing

Learn how 30,000 bath toys and the work of amateur beachcombers have helped scientists study ocean currents. Explore how the search for a death ray led to the creation of the microwave oven and ready-made meals. Discover the surprising link between sticky tape and the Nobel Prize.

Uncover the extraordinary stories of ordinary objects in this perfect gift for curious minds. From the creators of the A Brief History of Stuff podcast and inspired by the incredible artifacts in the Science Museum Group Collection, this collection of entertaining essays reveals the fascinating history behind some of the most mundane items in our homes.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2024

About the author

Dorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.

Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.

Source: Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because you don’t sell as many copies of a book called “Why Everything in Your Life Secretly Sucks.” On the one hand, I appreciate the unflinching look at how racism, sexism and other evils have helped shape ordinary household goods. But on the other hand, I picked this up in hopes of having a light summer reading experience rather than an unflinching look at anything. So the authors did a good job, but reader experience depends a lot on mindset.

[Jihang Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for small kids.