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The Pencil

A History of Design and Circumstance
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( 670 ratings, 88 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Pencil by Henry Petroski explores the fascinating history and evolution of the pencil, tracing its origins from ancient Greece and Rome to its development across centuries and cultures. The book details the craftsmanship, engineering, and technological insights revealed by this everyday object, highlighting its significance beyond mere writing.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in engineering, history, technology, and cultural studies, as well as those who enjoy learning about the stories behind common objects.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Analyzes the common pencil, citing it as an example of engineering excellence, looks at its origins and the history of its production, and provides reasons for its survival into the computer age.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Pencil by Henry Petroski traces the origins of the pencil back to ancient Greece and Rome. Petroski writes factually and charmingly about its development over the centuries and around the world, and shows what the pencil can teach us about engineering and technology today.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Highly praised for its engaging and informative narrative, this book is described as 'utterly absorbing' and 'beguiling' by critics. Reviewers commend Petroski's skill in weaving history, engineering, and cultural anecdotes into a compelling story. They highlight how The Pencil reveals the complex processes behind invention and design, making readers appreciate the humble pencil in a new light.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780679734154

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 November 1992

Country: United States

Imprint: Alfred A. Knopf

Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 133.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 513g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Henry Petroski is the Aleksandar S. Vesic Professor of Civil Engineering and a professor of history at Duke University. The author of more than a dozen books, he lives in Durham, North Carolina, and Arrowsic, Maine.

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