The twentieth century was a time of extraordinary change as new technologies and new inventions emerged at a bewildering rate. Our world was transformed beyond recognition, and so were our lives and our aspirations. INVENTING THE TWENTIETH CENTURY is an entertaining, informative and insightful look at the marvels of the twentieth century. James May and Phil Dolling explore the iconic themes of the century: flight, space travel, television, mechanised war, medicine, video games, electronic music, skyscrapers, electronic espionage and much more. But they also lead us down blind alleys to discover the hidden story behind why some inventions like the Zeppelin, the hovercraft or the Theremin struggled to make their mark. They examine the tipping points – when technologies such as the car or the internet became unstoppable – and get up close by looking at the nuts and bolt of remarkable inventions. Packed with surprising statistics and intriguing facts, this is the ideal book for anyone who wants to know how stuff works and why some stuff didn’t make it.
James May's Magnificent Machines
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'James May is the best thing ever to come out of Top Gear'
(Radio Times )'Smart, sharply written'
(Guardian )'The most loveable of the Top Gear presenting trio . . . there's a sharp and interesting mind under the corduroy. Fascinating.'
(Nottingham Evening Post ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.About the Author
James May is a writer, broadcaster and co-host of Top Gear on BBC2. He writes a weekly column in the Daily Telegraph and has presented series for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky. His previous books include May on Motors and Oz and James’ Big Wine Adventure. He is currently training to qualify for his pilot’s license. Phil Dolling is an Executive Producer for BBC Science and History, and has worked on many award-winning series including Hannibal, Egypt, Genghis Khan and Space.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The thing I like about this book, as well as May On Motors, is the style of James's writing. It is though he is talking to you directly and explaining interesting stuff through speech rather than the written word.
James puts a few wrongs right in the book, giving due recognition to the true inventors of famous and interesting things. Many "so called facts" are laid to rest. For example, Ferdinand Porsche did not invent the VW beetle! If you enjoy James May on the TV, then you will enjoy this (and May On Motors) book. My hope is that he will soon write some more.
James puts a few wrongs right in the book, giving due recognition to the true inventors of famous and interesting things. Many "so called facts" are laid to rest. For example, Ferdinand Porsche did not invent the VW beetle! If you enjoy James May on the TV, then you will enjoy this (and May On Motors) book. My hope is that he will soon write some more.
15 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By Lymaze
Format:Hardcover
What a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts and glorious photographs. Anyone who watched the programmes will be surprised to learn the book is even better, for it is more in depth and covers subjects which weren't really touched upon in the programme. James May has a beautiful way with words and makes the science and invention of the 20th Century both exciting and fascinating.
A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.
A great Christmas book - put it on your lists now.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By N. Young
Format:Paperback
A generally good book version of the `James May's 20th Century' TV series, which chronicles the technological developments of the twentieth century with a thematic rather than chronological narrative. This is, on the whole, a decent and at times highly readable account of the technology behind (say) the Moon landings, the development of the radio and how technological development impacted on popular culture. Being a book, more detail is allowed than in the TV series. But it's not perfect by any means. Most jarring are several basic factual errors, the blame for which must lie jointly with May himself, co-author Phil Dolling and their editors - chief of which are persistently referring to the Moon as a planet, and naming Anthony Burgess - as opposed to either Guy Burgess or Anthony Blunt - as one of the Cambridge spies. Could do better.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another great book from May
I am a fan of James May and have purchased most of his published works. I like his chatty, conversational style. Read more
Published 12 months ago by c1h8e0l
4.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent Machines
Good book on the whole. Could have been a little more detailed but then I suspect that it's just a quick facts book. Read more
Published on 3 Aug 2009 by A. Wilson
1.0 out of 5 stars
Poorly researched and factually wrong
I've managed to get 82 pages into this until I've had to give up. So far he's discussed powered flight, the motor car and computers. Read more
Published on 30 April 2009 by SuperTed
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read - James May at his best
James May's 20th Century really is a fantastic book, and I couldn't think of a better book to read.
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like... Read more
It's simply staggering for anyone who likes awe-inspiring machines, like... Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2008 by Josh
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best books Ive read
James May - is a excellent man , his work inspired my work , because he is him self and write carefree almost Diary like. Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2008 by Ms. Joanna Barker
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating read
James May's 20th Century, published in hardback on the 6th September 2007, accompanies the fabulous TV series broadcasted on Channel 2. Read more
Published on 16 Sep 2007 by Josh
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