Focusing on the impact of engineering on society and the world, McCarthy details the development of the discipline, explains what makes an engineering mind, and shows how every aspect of our lives has been engineered: from gadgets to our national infrastructure. Long considered tinkerers, problem solvers, and visionaries, engineers hold the keys to our real and virtual future.
Engineering (Beginner's Guides)
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"The best book of its kind. Bold and well informed, it works as an introduction to engineering for just about every conceivable audience." --Steve Fuller, Professor of Sociology at the University of Warwick and author of 'New Frontiers in Science and Technology Studies'
"A fantastic book. Full of stories that can be enjoyed by anybody who is interested in innovation and creativity." --Dame Wendy Hall, Professor of Computer Science, Southampton University
"Deftly engineered. McCarthy challenges us all -- not just engineers --to take responsibility for the ways in which we all increasingly engineer the world."
"A fantastic book. Full of stories that can be enjoyed by anybody who is interested in innovation and creativity." --Dame Wendy Hall, Professor of Computer Science, Southampton University
"Deftly engineered. McCarthy challenges us all -- not just engineers --to take responsibility for the ways in which we all increasingly engineer the world."
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"A fantastic book. Full of stories that can be enjoyed by anybody who is interested in innovation and creativity."
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Frengiet
Format:Paperback
The opening line of the Preface of this splendid little book reads "What is an engineer? What comes to mind when imagining an engineer?". A most pertinent question. Many, of course, would give an answer relating to washing machine repair or car maintenance; others might suggest a relationship with science - or should that be applied science? I suspect that a lot of people asked who do they think design and manufacture mobile phones, televisions, laptops and so on would likely not say "engineers" - but probably "the Chinese". And as for bridges, buildings, food and medicines, Bugatti Veyrons, roads, fresh water, sewage processors, aircraft, wind turbines - the list is endless - there would be lots of shoulder shrugs.
Engineering: A Beginner's Guide cuts through all the doubt, misunderstanding and ignorance to reveal the real nature of the engineer and engineering and provide the truth that so many do not appreciate - that engineering pervades all aspects of society and of our daily lives. For "Beginner's Guide" read "People's Guide" for this is a beautifully written book that should be compulsory reading for everyone. And if not all members of society, then certainly politicians, those working in the media, teachers, parents, young people - so perhaps everyone after all. It is certainly the case that in the UK and the US and probably elsewhere, the lack of awareness of the substantial contribution that engineering makes and will make in solving the most important global challenges that we face now and in the future is preventing sufficient of those with the greatest ability to engage at all levels of engineering practice - from Professional Engineers to Engineering Technicians.
This is a really good read for those without any knowledge of the subject, but also in providing context for those with an awareness of perhaps just part of the rich spectrum of engineering activity. It also provides a real 'feel good factor' for those like me who have been steeped in engineering for most of their careers. There is something for everyone - the history and evolution of engineering; engineering's place in society; the approaches to engineering; and the distinction and relationship between engineering and science.
A much recommended book!
Engineering: A Beginner's Guide cuts through all the doubt, misunderstanding and ignorance to reveal the real nature of the engineer and engineering and provide the truth that so many do not appreciate - that engineering pervades all aspects of society and of our daily lives. For "Beginner's Guide" read "People's Guide" for this is a beautifully written book that should be compulsory reading for everyone. And if not all members of society, then certainly politicians, those working in the media, teachers, parents, young people - so perhaps everyone after all. It is certainly the case that in the UK and the US and probably elsewhere, the lack of awareness of the substantial contribution that engineering makes and will make in solving the most important global challenges that we face now and in the future is preventing sufficient of those with the greatest ability to engage at all levels of engineering practice - from Professional Engineers to Engineering Technicians.
This is a really good read for those without any knowledge of the subject, but also in providing context for those with an awareness of perhaps just part of the rich spectrum of engineering activity. It also provides a real 'feel good factor' for those like me who have been steeped in engineering for most of their careers. There is something for everyone - the history and evolution of engineering; engineering's place in society; the approaches to engineering; and the distinction and relationship between engineering and science.
A much recommended book!
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Jasper
Format:Paperback
I knew nothing of engineering when I read this and wasn't sure what I would get from it but I finished by looking at the world differently. It highlighted the moral dilemmas created by the engineering we take for granted and made me think of engineering in a completely different way. Not only has it shed light on what engineers do but it has enabled me to think a little bit like an engineer when I face reality. It is a book about humanity solving some big problems and creating others. And its a quick read!
There is something really nice about the way McCarthy writes. Simple. Clear. To the point. Insightful. Erudite. But never preaching nor condescending. It is as if a wise person is guiding you through places you needed to see but never knew you did.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
There is something really nice about the way McCarthy writes. Simple. Clear. To the point. Insightful. Erudite. But never preaching nor condescending. It is as if a wise person is guiding you through places you needed to see but never knew you did.
I thoroughly recommend this book.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By AVR
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is my second One World Beginners Guides about a subject that I did not know much about and I now feel I have a much better understanding of engineering in everyday life and many other engineering related challenges (in terms of ethics, practices, limitations and future areas of growth). It is not technical at all, easy to read and a good structure of the issues involved in this topic. There are certain books which make one more fulfilled after reading them and this book certainly qualifies in this regard.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to understand
This is an excellent overview of the subject in a simple, easy to read format. Thats exactly what I wanted!
Published 2 months ago by Karen Melton
3.0 out of 5 stars
okay book..
it's an okay book if you're interested in engineering history. I did get a lot of knowledge reading it anywho :)
Published 4 months ago by Kasper Asmund Pape Andersen
3.0 out of 5 stars
Interesting sociology, technically weak
Sure it's an easy and entertaining read. It is mostly about what engineers do from a sociological perspective with little of the inner workings of the problem solving. Read more
Published 9 months ago by The_300
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